Department of Agriculture, Biosecurity Advice 2015/1: Emergency measures for specific sea freight consignments of containerised and break bulk cargo sourced and shipped from ports of the United States

This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of emergency measures for specific sea freight consignments of containerised and break bulk cargo sourced and shipped from ports of the United States.

The emergency measures will apply to vehicles, tyres, machinery and automotive parts sourced and shipped from ports of the United States.

The Department of Agriculture initiated emergency measures in response to large number of interceptions of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys) being found on and in break bulk cargo imported from the US port of Savannah. This stink bug is an exotic pest of considerable biosecurity concern to Australia's agriculture industry.

The stink bug can enter vehicles, homes and factories in autumn months in large numbers looking for warm places to overwinter. Offshore treatment of goods on high-risk pathways is currently considered to be the only feasible measure available to the department to effectively manage the significant ongoing biosecurity risk from this pest.

As a result, the department is introducing emergency measures as of Monday, 23 February2015 for all containerised and break bulk vehicles (including boats), machinery,automotive parts, and containerised tyres sourced and shipped from ports of United States. Interim measures are being applied to consignments currently in transit.

The emergency measures will be reviewed as more information becomes available and will be adjusted accordingly. The department has released an Industry Advice Notice for affected importers, forwardeers and customs brokers. Further details on the emergency measures and affected ports can be found on the department's website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import/general-info/ian/15/12-2015

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