2 November 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents—associated with shipping or importing goods that are subject to increased intervention during the 2022-23 BMSB risk season, and vessels on 2022-23 BMSB season Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme (VSPS).
What has changed?
Due to the recent increase in exotic stinkbug detections on Chinese origin break bulk cargo and RoRo vessels; RoRo vessels that loaded cargo in a Chinese port will be required to undergo mandatory seasonal pest intervention. The increased measures will be a seasonal pest inspection (SPI) on arrival followed by mandatory fogging and residual spray insecticide with a follow up SPI.
Vessels partaking in the 2022-23 BMSB season Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme (VSPS) will also be subject to these mandatory measures.
All directions will be specified on Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) when issued.
These measures will be in place until 09 January 2023, when they will be reviewed.
Further information
Please note that the temporary measures will undergo review later in the season. We encourage you to check our website, or contact VSPS at safeguarding@agriculture.gov.au if you have any questions.