The Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and The Environment has announced it will be adding China as an emerging risk country for the 2021-2022 BMSB risk season.
The brown marmorated stunk bug (BMSB) is a plant pest that hitchhikes on imported goods, including personal items, machinery, vehicles, ships, boats and aircraft. The notice comes as evidence of live BMSB was discovered in containerised commodities which originated from China. The country will be added to the emerging risk of country list for the remainder of 2021-22 BMSB season.
What goods will be affected?
Per information provided via the Government Website, increased random inspection activities will apply to:
- Goods manufactured in, or shipped from China and,
- FCL / FCX containers – for goods shipped in sealed 6 hard sided containers and,
- Goods tariffed as Chapters 39, 68, 69, 70, 73, 84, 85 and 89.
LCL / FAK containers and break bulk goods (including those shipped on flat rack or in open top containers) are out of scope for increased inspection activities.
In scope containers, as identified above, will be selected at random and will be directed for an ‘Inspection – Seals Intact Inspection’ at a Class 1.1, 1.3, 2.1 or 2.2 Approved Arrangement.
Who does this apply to?
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 2021-22 BMSB risk season.
For further information, visit the AWE Website.