17 August 2017
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to clients in the import and shipping industries, including importers and customs brokers associated with the importation of targeted break bulk and vehicles, boats, machinery and machinery parts from 1 September 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has developed measures to manage the 2017‑18 seasonal risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) infestations in sea cargo shipped from the United States and on high risk pathways originating in Europe.
The 2017-18 BMSB measures will continue to apply to target goods arriving from the United States, and will now include target goods from Italy shipped from 1 September 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive. The target goods season dates, treatments, and requirements for management of target goods are unchanged.
In addition, heightened inspections will apply to target goods from other European countries where BMSB is known to be established in order to monitor emerging risk of importation of BMSB on those pathways.
The 2017-18 measures will remain in place for the entire season unless further significant pest infestations are detected. Should this occur, the department may impose emergency requirements similar to those implemented during the 2014-15 season. The department will continue to monitor the risk of brown marmorated stink bugs from other parts of the world and will develop measures accordingly if required.
The above revised measures are based on current understanding of the pest’s biology, interception data and learning from last season’s measures.
Further information
For further information on the 2017-18 measures, please see the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug web page or contact Air and Sea Cargo.
Any changes to the 2017-18 measures will be published in import industry advice notices and via social media. To receive advice of changes, go to the Subscription centre to request an email when a new industry notice is issued, or go to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ twitter account, @DeptAgNews.