Based on a review of current BMSB (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug) measures the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has decided to make changes to the inspection requirements for sea freight transported in FCL (Full Container Load), FCX (Full Container multiple house bills) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments to Australia if they have been treated overseas with sulfuryl fluoride fumigation.
What are the changes to unpack inspections?
Effective immediately, above mentioned sea freight shipments that are usually subject to supervised seals intact full unpack inspection will not need a biosecurity officer present anymore.
This is an interim process, and it may be due to changes at any point.
How does it impact current freight already flagged for inspection?
Containers that apply and are currently held pending inspection will be allowed to be unpacked without a biosecurity officer present.
Future consignments that apply and may have already been flagged for a supervised seals intact full unpack inspection at the container level will be allowed to be unpacked without the presence of a biosecurity officer.
All other sea freight imports consignments that require supervised seals intact full unpack inspection (including break bulk goods treated with sulfuryl fluoride) are still due to have a biosecurity officer present.
We understand that there is a vast number of BMSB measures and requirements and it can be confusing for importers to determine which goods may apply.
If you have any questions about your Australian sea freight imports and whether your goods apply to above requirements or not, please contact us and one of our Sea Freight Import experts will assist.
Sources:
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2019/05-2019