5 June 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, principle agents and master consolidators—associated with importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture (the department) released the proposed measures to manage BMSB risk for the 2019-20 season on 29 April 2019 through Industry Advice Notice (2019-57). Following this release a series of information sessions and targeted workshops have been held to obtain industry input on the proposed measures. Feedback from industry on the proposed measures was also received by email.
The department has now finalised the seasonal measures for the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.
For the 2019-20 BMSB risk season, measures will apply to:
- certain goods manufactured in, or shipped from target risk countries, and/or
- vessels that berth at, load or tranship from target risk countries
from 1 September 2019 and that arrive in Australian territory by 31 May 2020 (inclusive).
The final seasonal measures are available on the BMSB webpage.
The department has considered the feedback from industry and the final measures include:
- Addition of an option for containerised target risk goods shipped as less than container load (LCL) and freight of all kind (FAK) to be treated onshore. While the department’s preferred position is off shore treatment of such goods, industry strongly supported retaining an on shore treatment option.
- A revised definition of the end of the BMSB risk season. The season end will be defined as the arrival of goods and vessels in Australia by 31 May. This change is expected to be easier for industry to comply with and for the department to administer. Due to differing risk assessments, it was not possible to align with New Zealand on the end of the season.
Other measures have been confirmed as part of the final measures and are currently being further developed with final arrangements for these measures to be available soon. These confirmed measures include:
- Arrangements for safeguarding (supply chain assurance) for certain containerised and break bulk target risk goods as an alternative option to mandatory measure to manage BMSB risk. The department is currently working with select interested participants in a trial of the proposed application and assessment process.
- Arrangements for an alternative vessel clearance process for roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, in lieu of a mandated seasonal pest inspection. The department is currently working with selected interested shipping lines on preparations for a trial during the season.
Information Sessions
In preparation for the 2019-20 BMSB season, the department will host a further series of industry information sessions across Australia in early June 2019, including a webinar for those unable to attend in person. The sessions will provide further information on the final 2019-20 BMSB seasonal measures for goods being imported, shipped or treated during the BMSB risk season. The sessions will also provide industry with the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about the measures.
Industry members interested in attending the information sessions can register via the BMSB webpage. The face-to-face sessions will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, (with exemption to Perth, which will run from 8.30 am to 11:30 am). The webinar session will run from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Melbourne, Wednesday 12 June - Mantra Tullamarine Hotel
Sydney, Friday 14 June - Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport
Brisbane, Tuesday 18 June - Novotel Brisbane Airport Hotel
Adelaide, Thursday 20 June - The Lakes Resort Hotel
Perth, Friday 21 June - Crown Perth Convention Centre
Webinar, Tuesday 25 June - Online
Register your interest to attend
You can register your interest to attend a BMSB industry information session or the webinar on our webpage: agriculture.gov.au/bmsb.
Further information
For further information regarding the 2019-20 BMSB seasonal measures, visit our BMSB webpage.