BORWN Marmorated Stinkbug season is fast approaching, putting the shipping industry and its stakeholders on high alert.
Between 1 September 2022 and 30 April 2023, seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries.
This year, China and the United Kingdom have been identified as emerging risk countries.
During this period, random inspections will apply to goods shipped from China between 1 September and 31 December, and to goods shipped from the United Kingdom between 1 December and 30 April.
Goods described in chapters 39, 94 and 95 will be subject to random inspections for emerging risk countries.
Goods classed as “target high risk” will require mandatory treatment, and goods classed as “target risk” will be subject to random inspection.
The Department of Agriculture said all ro-ro vessels will be subject to heightened vessel surveillance between 1 September and 30 April.
The treatment of containerised goods and further information is outlined by the Department of Agriculture here.
According to the Department of Agriculture, brown marmorated stinkbugs hide from cold weather as winter approaches in overseas countries.
They shelter in crevices or protected areas of items shipped to Australia such as machinery, vehicles and shipping containers.
If introduced to Australia, the exotic pest has the potential to destroy crops, creating a costly and damaging biosecurity problem.
