Biosecurity Advice 2020-21 Reminder: Goods must be treated if exported between 1 September 2020 and 30 April 2021 inclusive

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BMSB 2020-2021 Season

The 2020-21 BMSB season will be in effect for goods shipped from September 1, 2020 that arrive in Australian territory prior 31 May 2021(inclusive).
In order to avoid any confusion it is important to note that Goods must be treated if exported between 1 September 2020 and 30 April 2021 inclusive.
 In general the measures remain consistent with the 2019-2020 BMSB risk season other than the addition of Portugal, Ukraine and Moldova to the target risk countries list.
One factor to come out of the review of the 19/20 season was that there are still a high percentage of containers arriving without having been fumigated offshore.
 It should be noted that it is the preference of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE)  for goods to be treated offshore.
 Where containers arrive in Australia requiring BMSB treatment and a treatment provider advises  goods cannot be treated at container level due to space / packing material issues, the container MAY be able to be treated at a Class 4.7 facility.

However as we witnessed last year these facilities were congested, with still only one approved facility in WA, and delays cost money.
To minimise delays to cargo stemming from BMSB measures we suggest;

• Ensure importers and their suppliers are aware of the packaging guidelines
• Treat offshore wherever possible Offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme

NB: Automatically referring containers to a local approved facility is NOT an option. The goods need to be directed to a treatment provider for treatment in the first instance - if onshore treatment is refused by the provider due to the packing/packaging not acceptable for satisfactory treatment a request can be submitted to direct to a 4.7 ( Note this is again subject to approval and is not automatic – the DAWE still has the option to refuse the request and direct for re-export.)

We suggest that all importers take steps now to ensure you and your overseas suppliers are aware of the BMSB requirements, especially in regard to packing / packaging, and the preference for goods to be treated offshore.

This may assist to avoid any unnecessary delays / financial impacts during the upcoming season.

20-2022: Addition of China to the BMSB Emerging Risk Country List

14 February 2022

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 2021-22 BMSB risk season.

What has changed?

As a result of detections of live BMSB in some containerised commodities originating in China, the department will be adding China as an emerging risk country for the remainder of the 2021-22 BMSB season.

The increased random inspection activities will apply to the following goods:

• 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.

Further information

For further information please visit our BMSB webpage or contact the department Seasonal Pest Policy team This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.