PLEASE NOTE - the development of new global measures for the avoidance of contamination of sea containers by invasive pests and cargoes will have a significant impact on international trade operational and reporting practices.
REFER:
UPDATE 1 - Verified Pest Prevention (VPP) declarations
UPDATE 2 - 'Safeguarding Continuum' and associated 'Custodial Responsibility'.
Industry engagement has progressed in the form of the North American Sea Container Initiative (NASCI) hosted by the World Bank in Washington, D.C. (21 and 22 February 2023) and subsequent bilateral engagement between representatives of the World Shipping Council (WSC) and Global Shippers Forum (GSF).
SAL MILICI TO CHAIR (GSF) CONTAINER CLEANLINESS WORKING GROUP
I have been privileged to work alongside Sean Van Dort (GSF Chair) and James Hookham (GSF Director) in meetings with Claudio Bozzo (COO - MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company) and Lars Kjaer (Senior Vice President - World Shipping Council) in commencing discussions on the WSC 'Pest Prevention Responsibility' and VPP proposals.
While WSC is in a fortunate position of representing 25 major businesses, the means for the GSF reaching out to shippers internationally on a matter of such significance is much more challenging. As discussed with the WSC, to ensure that we best achieve a representative view from GSF organisations and their respective memberships, we have made a request for more detailed information on the proposals to be able to coordinate meaningful feedback.
As a part of this approach, we are delighted to advise that the GSF has established a Container Cleanliness Working Group to be chaired by Sal Milici (General Manager Trade Policy and Operations - FTA / APSA). The working group will engage with the GSF board in determining policy positions and to support ongoing liaison with WSC, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and other stakeholders on potential solutions.
An invitation is extended to Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) members with an interest in participating in the working group to reach out to Sal at smilici@FTAlliance.com.au
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP - BRISBANE
As outlined in earlier member updates, the IPPC and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be hosting a workshop titled "International workshop on Pest risk mitigation of sea containers and their cargoes and the facilitation of international trade - defining the way forward"
The workshop will take place from 17 - 19 July 2023 at Sofitel Brisbane Central, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Register HERE (participation is free of charge). Please note that registrations are open until 30 May 2023 - due to the limited meeting room capacity, the IPPC Secretariat will respond within one month to confirm your participation.
More information on the programme and updates are available HERE
CPD EVENTS
Sal Milici and I will also be providing an update on developments to date at upcoming CPD events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
"New Global Measures – Custodial Responsibility"
• Avoidance of contamination of sea containers by invasive pests
• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) - four phases of the 'Safeguarding Continuum'
EARLY BIRD registration available HERE
Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF