Update: 25.09.2023
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has advised of persistent delays in import document assessment, mainly due to the labour shortage and a high number of shipments.
The high volumes of entry lodgements are anticipated to continue with the commencement of the new Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season, which began in September and will last until the end of April next year.
According to a notice issued by the DAFF, it has implemented a range of strategies to assist and manage the workload, including ongoing risk assessments to reduce the number of referrals and the onboarding of new staff in October. However, delays can be expected in the short to medium term.
In an advisory, Kuehne+Nagel Australia highlights an option to request an overtime assessment subject to additional fees. More information on this option is available on the DAFF website.
"If you consider this option, please contact our brokers to submit a request accordingly. Note the request must be submitted to DAFF by 11 am on the business day that falls before you require the documents to be assessed," advises Kuehne+Nagel.
Importers should bear in mind that delays in assessments could potentially lead to additional costs being incurred, notes the advisory.
Original article: 31.08.2023
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a pest native to China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. As a known hitchhiker, BMSB has found its way across the oceans to Europe and North America. It is especially notorious for its rapid growth in population and devastating effect on agriculture and horticulture.
When the weather becomes cooler in the Northern Hemisphere, BMSB seek warmer spaces and are thus easily transported in shipped goods.
Each year, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Department of Agriculture) and New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) issue seasonal measures to prevent the spread through shipping to these island nations.
Austalia
The Department of Agriculture announced it would apply seasonal measures to targeted goods manufactured and shipped from target risk countries from 1 September 2023 until 30 April 2024 (inclusive) and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period. The shipped-on-board date on the ocean bill of lading will determine when the goods were shipped.
For this season, Uzbekistan has been added to the extensive list of target risk countries subject to the seasonal measures.
Additionally, China and the United Kingdom have been identified as emerging risk countries. While these shipments are not subject to mandatory treatments, they may be selected for random onshore inspections.
According to the department, goods subject to seasonal measures are categorised into two groups: target high-risk goods, which are subject to mandatory treatment; and target risk goods, which are not subject to mandatory treatment but to increased on-shore intervention through random inspection. A detailed list can be found on the Department of Agriculture's website.
Furthermore, the department emphasises that the measures are not static and subject to change through the season. "We continuously review the measures throughout the season and may make necessary adjustments based on detections of BMSB and changes in the risk pathways," states the department website.
New Zealand
While New Zealand and Australia have aligned on risk countries, treatments, and approved treatment providers, they differ on target goods.
New Zealand's MPI will apply its seasonal measures from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024 to new and used target vehicles, machinery, and parts exported from BMSB-risk countries and sea containers exported from Italy
According to the rules, BMSB target goods must be fumigated offshore before arriving in New Zealand. Likewise, all shipments from Italy, irrespective of commodity or container type, must be treated before their arrival.
Although the shipping requirements for Australia and New Zealand may appear similar, the MPI urges those responsible to be aware of the requirements for both countries.
"Importers, exporters, and agents involved with importing goods into New Zealand and Australia must understand the requirements for each country to ensure compliance. There are some differences you should be aware of, especially around the targeting of commodity types," notes the ministry.
"If you are planning to import a consignment of targeted goods from a risk county into both New Zealand and Australia in the same BMSB season (with biosecurity clearance obtained), you will need to meet both countries' requirements.
Non-compliance
In an advisory, Kuehne+Nagel Australia said customers must comply with the requirements. Shipments must meet all treatment, documentation and reporting requirements.
Additionally, in its advisory, Maersk warns that non-compliant shipments will be retained on board and transported back to the origin or transhipment port for fumigation at the cost of the customer.
