After the finalisation of the BMSB measures was issued last month, ACF is continuing to update customers on the impact and steps that should be taken. The following update has been abridged from the notice issued by the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Department of Agriculture Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC).
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While the measures have remained consistent with last year’s 19/20 season, it is important to note that Goods must be treated if exported between 1 September 2020 and 30 April 2021 inclusive. Portugal, Ukraine and Moldova have also been added to the target risk countries list.
There is still a high percentage of containers arriving without having been fumigated offshore — please note, the preference of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) is for goods to be treated offshore.
Where containers arrive in Australia requiring BMSB treatment and a treatment provider advises goods cannot be treated at container level due to space/packing material issues, the container MAY be able to be treated at a Class 4.7 facility. However, as we witnessed last year these facilities were congested, with still only one approved in WA. Of course, delays cost money.
To minimise delays to cargo stemming from BMSB measures FTA suggests:
- Ensure importers and their suppliers are aware of the packaging guidelines
- Treat offshore wherever possible Offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme
- Have an arrangement with a local 4.7 AA facility in place should one be needed
NB: Automatically referring containers to a 4.7 AA facility is NOT an option. The goods need to be directed to a treatment provider for treatment in the first instance – if onshore treatment is refused by the provider due to the packing/packaging not acceptable for satisfactory treatment a request can be submitted to direct to a 4.7 ( Note this is again subject to approval and is not automatic – the department still has the option to refuse the request and direct for re-export.)
We suggest you take steps now to ensure your clients and overseas agents are aware of the BMSB requirements, especially in regard to packing/packaging, and the preference for goods to be treated offshore.
Thank you — the ACF team