In order to manage the risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) importation on containerised goods from Italy, on 17 January 2018 The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (BIOSEC) introduced measures for all containerised goods shipped via sea cargo from Italy during the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season to undergo an approved treatment.
This included cargo shipped in LCL containers, however these containers were unpacked and the goods fumigated as individual consignments. This practice was less than satisfactory as the risk of BMSB contamination was ever present given the likelihood the insects could escape during the container unpack process and subsequent transport to a fumigation depot.
However, effective from 15 March 2018 all containers arriving from Italian ports and containing goods originating from Italy shipped as Less than Container Load (LCL) consignments will be held by the department under biosecurity control at the wharf.
Containers of LCL consignments will then require treatment at the container level at either the wharf or at an approved arrangement site.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (BIOSEC) has placed significant responsibility on the forwarder to nominate cargoes in affected containers as to whether such cargo is suitable for fumigation treatment. Forwarders may rely heavily on information provided by the relevant importers or their representatives to determine this. Therefore importers will need to ensure FJT has a clear understanding of the risks associated with fumigating their cargo so appropriate action can be taken to reduce such risks.
It is also important to note that these measures are additional to regular commodity based Bio Security concerns.
Additionally there will be costs associated with this quarantine action, these are not expected to exceed that which is currently experienced.
Please contact your local FJT office for further clarification if required.
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