12 August 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Offshore brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) treatment providers, particularly in Europe and North America.
Other stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including master consolidators, vessel masters, freight forwarders, biosecurity industry participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents — associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2022-23 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
Representatives from the department will be traveling to Europe in August and September and will conduct face-to-face BMSB information sessions.
An invitation has been sent to all Turkish and Italian treatment providers who have engaged with the department to become an approved offshore BMSB treatment provider, as well as treatment providers in neighbouring countries.
Two additional information sessions will be held virtually, accommodating European and North American time zones.
The topics discussed will include the:
- department’s BMSB seasonal measures for 2022-23
- offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme and 2022-23 registration requirements
- BMSB treatment options and the treatment methodologies – methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride fumigation and heat treatment
- mandatory compliance requirements for each treatment type
- department’s treatment provider compliance verification activities
- potential future options for Australia’s management of offshore biosecurity treatments.
We encourage Australian import industry participants with contacts in these regions to provide advice of these meetings and encourage attendance.
All attendees must pre-register. Details and a link to register are included in the table below.
Information Sessions Details
| North America - Virtual Event | Location: Microsoft Teams Date: 16 August 2022 Time: 5pm EDT Registration required by 15 August 2022 Register for session here |
| Europe - Virtual Event | Location: Microsoft Teams Date: 23 August 2022 Time: 2pm CEST Registration required by 22 August 2022 Register for session here |
| Rome, Italy | Location: tbc Date: 25 August 2022 Time: 9am CEST Registration required by 24 August 2022 Register for session here |
| Treviso, Italy | Location: tbc Date: 29 August 2022 Time: 10am CEST Registration required by 28 August 2022 Register for session here |
| Istanbul, Turkey | Location: tbc Date: 31 August 2022 Time: 9am TRT Registration required by 30 August 2022 Register for session here |
*The information session in Turkey will also include information on Australia’s khapra beetle treatment requirements.
Venue information will be sent to registered attendees as numbers are confirmed
Further information
For further information regarding BMSB information session please email bmsbtreatments@aff.gov.au.