14 July 2023
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 2023–24 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
Representatives from the department will be conducting two virtual BMSB information sessions in August 2023, accommodating European and North American time zones.
An invitation has been sent to all offshore treatment providers who have engaged with the department to become approved under the Offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme, as well as treatment providers in neighbouring countries and those conducting treatments on goods subject to BMSB measures.
The topics discussed will include the:
- department’s BMSB seasonal measures for 2023–24
- offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme and 2023–24 registration requirements
- BMSB treatment options and the treatment methodologies – methyl bromide fumigation, 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
- treatment certificate portal.
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 and are welcome to join either of the events. Details and a link to register are included in the table below.
| Europe - Virtual Event | Location: Microsoft Teams Date: 8 August 2023 Time: 9 am to 10:30 am CEST Registration required by: 7 August 2023 Register for session here |
|---|---|
| North America - Virtual Event | Location: Microsoft Teams Date: 09 August 2023 Time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm EDT Registration required by: 08 August 2023 Register for session here |
Further information
For further information regarding BMSB information sessions please email bmsbtreatments@aff.gov.au.