Further preventative measures introduced for this Stink Bug Season

The Department of Agriculture has introduced further measures to manage the risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs during the 2015-16 season.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is not found in Australia but is an exotic pest of biosecurity concern to Australia’s agriculture industry.  Juveniles and adults feed on and severely damage fruit and vegetable crops, and adults can enter vehicles, machinery, homes and factories in autumn months in large numbers looking for warm places to hide over winter.

The stink bugs can arrive in Australia on cargo and containers between September and April, coinciding with late autumn and winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Goods targeted

New and used vehicles, vessels and machinery shipped as break bulk or FCL from all ports in the United States from 1^st September 2015 to 30^th April 2016.

The measures

The new preventative measures are to remain in place for the entire season, unless pest infestations are detected.  If this happens, the department may impose similar emergency requirements to the 2014/15 season.

• From 1^st September, 2015, all targeted used goods will need to be treated immediately prior to shipping on or before 30^th April 2016.
• All new targeted goods manufactured or stored between 1^st September 2015 and 1^st December 2015, then shipped on or before 30^th April 2016 will need to be treated unless subject to alternative safeguarding arrangements approved by the department (see below).
• All new targeted goods manufactured after 1^st December 2015 and shipped on or before 30^th April 2016 would require a consignment specific manufacturers new, unused and not field tested (NUFT) declaration which includes the date and place of manufacture.

The treatments

Goods are treated using Sulfuryl Fluoride, Methyl Bromide or heat treatment.

• Break bulk goods treated before 1^st December 2015 will have a 96 hour treatment window before shipping.
• Break bulk goods treated after 1^st December 2015, are not likely to become re-infested so will not be subject to a treatment window.
• Containerised goods sealed after treatment and arriving with seals intact will also not be subject to a treatment window.

Alternative Arrangements

As an alternative to the mandatory pre-shipment treatment requirements, Safeguarding Pest Risk Management Plans can be implemented by manufacturers in consultation with the department.

Enquiries and information

If you are importing Break Bulk or Full Container Load goods that are targeted by these measures, from the United States between 1^st September 2015 and 30^th April 2016 and have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clarke Global team on 9854 3000 or send us an email to enquiry@clarkeglobal.com.au

For more detailed government information, please refer to https://www.agriculture.gov.au/bmsb

Photo by L’eau Bleue