Preparation for the 2018-2019 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season – Shipment out of USA and Italy
To manage the risk posed by stink bugs from Italy and USA to Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will mandate additional measures during the 2018-19 BMSB risk season (goods shipped to Australia between 1 September 2018 and 30 April 2019 inclusive).
At this stage, the import requirements to manage BMSB risk will continue to apply to goods of Italian origin and break bulk goods from the USA during the 2018-19 BMSB risk season. Extension of import requirements to additional countries is currently under active consideration.
Offshore treatment providers’ obligations are:
The department will require all treatment providers conducting BMSB treatments in Italy and the United States to be registered with the department on an approved list of offshore treatment providers. Only treatment providers who meet the department’s requirements will be eligible for registration.
The department will only accept BMSB treatment certificates from treatment providers included on the approved list of offshore treatment providers during the 2018-19 BMSB season.
Offshore treatment providers who intend to become an approved treatment provider for conducting BMSB treatments in the upcoming season will need to:
1. Notify the department of their intent to register as soon as possible by submitting a Notification of Intent. This form can be found on the BMSB web page.
2. Complete an application form for the Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme. As part of this application, they will be required to provide a range of documentary evidence demonstrating their eligibility. The application form will available on the department’s website in July 2018.
Australian Importers’ requirements are:
Clients are requested to advise offshore treatment providers that conducted BMSB treatments during the 2017-18 BMSB season to notify of their intent to register as an approved treatment provider. This will ensure all offshore treatment providers are aware of the impending changes and are given adequate opportunity to register with the department prior to the commencement of the 2018-19 BMSB season.
For further information please refer to: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/57-2018 or give our office a call.