The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) are causing a real headache this season for importers from Italy.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) have recently released another notice, this time in relation to the clearance of LCL containerised cargo (less than a container load) during the BMSB season (shipped between 1 September 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive).
What has changed?
To manage the risk of BMSB importation on containerised goods from Italy, on 17 January 2018 the department introduced measures for all containerised goods shipped via sea cargo from Italy during the BMSB risk season to undergo an approved treatment. Refer to the BMSB webpage for information about approved treatments for this pest, or head here.
To manage the risk of cross contamination of containers and other goods, effective from 15 March 2018 any containers arriving from Italian ports and containing goods originating from Italy shipped as Less than Container Load (LCL) consignments will be held by the department under biosecurity control at the wharf. Containers of LCL consignments will then require treatment at the container level at either the wharf or at an approved site.
Where evidence is provided that the container has been treated containing ALL shipped LCL consignments offshore with one of the approved BMSB treatments, and where a valid treatment certificate is presented to the department, the container will not require further treatment.
Importers shipping consignments to Australia during the BMSB risk season (not just from Italy, but also from the United States) should be aware of the risk of BMSB infestation and the importance of preventing infestation prior to shipping.
When unpacking goods, care should be taken to inspect locations where BMSB may congregate, including crevices or protected areas of shipping containers, inside the goods, or within packaging material. If BMSB are detected, operators and staff must follow normal procedures to secure goods to limit any movement of insects and notify the department immediately.
If you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods report it to See. Secure. Report. on 1800 798 636 or complete the online form. Alternatively, you can contact our customs department directly.
