28 May 2021
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including Master Consolidators, vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, and principal agents— associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2020-21 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
On 1 June 2021, the department will cease it measures for the 2020-21 BMSB risk season.
Goods shipped or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 1 May 2021, will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures including the Seasonal Pest Inspection (SPI) on arrival.
Good arriving in the first Australian port on or after 1 June 2021 will not be subject to BMSB Seasonal measures
Importers are reminded that it is their responsibility to continue to ensure that any goods imported, are free of biosecurity risk material throughout the year, not just during periods of heightened seasonal measures.
All vessel masters and agents are reminded of their obligation to continue to report all insect detections in pre arrival reporting.
Master consolidators
Master consolidator declarations will be required to be lodged until 1 June 2021. If your consignment is due to arrive on or after 1 June 2021, a NIL RISK declaration is to be made.
Automatic entry processing for commodities (AEPCOMM)
AEPCOMM can continue to be utilised to facilitate the clearance of goods subject to BMSB seasonal measures (shipped before 1 May 2021 and arriving in Australia prior to June 2021).
For further information please refer to the Industry task card Using AEPCOMM during BMSB season and the BICON case: BMSB Hitchhiker Pests
Need help on using AEPCOMM? Email: AEP support
Further information
Further information regarding the 2020-21 BMSB seasonal measures, can be found on the BMSB Webpage
If you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods report it to See. Secure. Report. on 1800 798 636 or complete the online form.