29 April 2019
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 principle agents— associated with importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
In response to the rapid expansion of Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) throughout Europe and North America, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has released the proposed seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB from entering and establishing in Australia for the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.
For the 2019-20 risk season, certain goods manufactured in, or shipped from, an expanded list target risk countries will be subject to BMSB seasonal measures. The measures will apply to goods shipped as sea cargo between 1 September 2019 and 30 April 2020 (inclusive). These measures require certain goods arriving from certain countries of risk to be treated offshore or onshore, in some cases mandatory offshore treatment will apply. Goods will also be subject to increased onshore intervention through random inspections.
As with previous BMSB risk seasons, you must comply with these measures for goods categorised as either target high risk or target risk goods. Full details of the proposed 2019-20 BMSB seasonal measures, including the expanded list of target risk counties and the target high risk and risk goods have been published on the department’s website at agriculture.gov.au/bmsb
April BMSB Industry information sessions
The department held a series of industry information sessions in April 2019, in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth as well as a webinar on the proposed 2019-20 BMSB seasonal measures. The information sessions were well received by industry with strong attendance at all events. Following the conclusion of these events the department has now published a copy of the industry information session presentation, proposed measures factsheet and webinar on the BMSB webpage.
Further information
For further information and contact information regarding BMSB seasonal measures, visit our BMSB webpage agriculture.gov.au/bmsb