The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) held information sessions in both Sydney and Melbourne on the impending Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season.
 
Below is the link that contains the detail of the information sessions.               http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/before/pests/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs      
 
We suggest that Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) members pay particular attention to the following:
 

• Register via  airandseacargo@agriculture.gov.au to receive regular updates;  

• Note the BMBS season dates are 1 September 2018 to 30 April 2019; and

• The expanded target risk list of countries that now includes USA, Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Georgia and  Japan* (*heightened vessel surveillance only)

How to register treatment providers 

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/biosecurity/import/pests/bmsb-noi-all-countries.pdf

The treatments available (Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, Methyl bromide fumigation and Heat treatment)

The targeted high risk commodities and mandatory offshore fumigation

• Break bulk, including vehicles, machinery and equipment.

• Bricks, tiles, ceramics, steel, stone, cement.

• Goods likely to be stored in a manner that provides access for BMSB to overwinter

Targeted risk goods that will be directed for increased onshore fumigation

• Chemicals, chemical products, salt, minerals, fertilizers

• Wood pulp, printed matter, straw, paper, cardboard

• Plastics, wadding, tyres.

Exempted goods

• Fresh Produce (including nursery stock and plants)

• Live animals

• Food for human consumption (including beverages)

• Seeds for sowing

• Registered Pharmaceuticals

 
For further information please refer to:www.agriculture.gov.au/bmsb                                                 
 
Andrew Crawford - FTA / APSA