Brown marmorated stink bugs Questions and Answers (NNF 2018/013)

Further to previous national newsflash NNF 2018/11 - Update on Mandatory BMSB treatment for containerised goods from Italy (NNF 2018/011)  we have been in regular contact with the Compliance Controls Branch at the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (the Department) to address  questions and scenarios raised by members.

We have been advocating for the Department to provide more clarity related to the policy and process since the implementation of the these new measures from Italy.

The department has now published an up to date Questions and Answers page on its website.

Please note we are seeking further advice from the Department on how they will manage the process related to directions, inspections and/or treatment onshore for "freight of all kind (FAK)". We will keep you informed of any further developments on this issue.

How can industry help?

The Department encourages importers to treat goods prior to shipping with one of the approved BMSB treatments to avoid need for treatment on arrival.  Goods already treated offshore with one of the approved BMSB treatments, and where a valid treatment certificate is presented to the department, will not require further treatment.

The department also asks that all industry stakeholders communicate with their staff and business partners, and advise that when deconsolidating goods during the BMSB risk season (1 September to 30 April 2018) care should be taken to inspect locations where BMSB may congregate, including crevices or protected areas of shipping containers, inside the goods, or within packaging material.