China added to BMSB emerging risk countries list
February 2022
As a result of detections of live BMSB in some containerized commodities originating in China, the Department of Agriculture will be adding China as an emerging risk country for the remainder of the 2021-22 BMSB season.
It is important to note that China being listed as an 'Emerging Risk Country' does not require mandatory fumigation of containers however, it will mean that there will be increased random inspections upon arrival in Australia. This measure is effective immediately and will be carried through to the end of the BMSB Season (30th April 2022).
The increased random inspection activities will apply to the following goods:
- Goods manufactured in, or shipped from China and,
- FCL / FCX containers – for goods shipped in sealed 6 hard sided containers and,
- Goods tariffed as Chapters 39, 68, 69, 70, 73, 84, 85 and 89
LCL / FAK containers and break bulk goods (including those shipped on flat rack or in open top containers) are out of scope for increased inspection activities. In scope containers, as identified above, will be selected at random and will be directed for an ‘Inspection – Seals Intact Inspection’ under departmental supervision at a Class 1.1, 1.3, 2.1 or 2.2 Approved Arrangement.
All random onshore verification inspections are required to be completed in a metropolitan location. If any BMSB or other biosecurity risk material is detected during the inspection, goods will be directed for onshore treatment as required.
The department will redirect resources from current BMSB verification activities to conduct verifications on Chinese origin goods to ensure there is no additional resources required by the department to conduct the new inspections and no additional delays to be experienced by importers through increasing levels of intervention.