For a number of years, the Australian Department of Agriculture has been requiring treatment for containers from countries where the Asian bedbug (BMSB) is present.
For goods destined forAustralia and New Zealand, it is mandatory for them to undergo processing (both goods and packaging) that can only be done by certain approved companies in Italy.
List of authorized entities : Offshore Treatment Providers – DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)
BMSB treatment must be compulsorily carried out for high-risk goods (see high-risk goods list).
Period of compulsoriness
The current period considered at risk will run from September 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024 (inclusive).
Every year this will always be the period with mandatory.
Types of goods
Goods are divided into three different types:
At risk: they will not require mandatory treatment. Target cargo at risk will still be subject to increased scrutiny by port inspectors.
High risk: will require mandatory treatment for BMSB risk.
Other assets: For all other assets that are not classified as high-risk or at-risk, seasonal BMSB measures do not apply. However, these goods may be subject to the measures if they are part of a container or shipment that contains target goods. Products are identified by customs class.
Allowed treatments
The treatments allowed by Australia are:
- Heat treatment
- Fumigation (with methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride)
BMSB treatment must be carried out on the goods, directly in the exporting country, before shipment (at least 5 days before departure).
BMSB and ISPM-15 FAO FITOK.
It is important not to confuse the BMSB treatment with the ISPM-15 FAO Fitok treatment provided for wood packaging.
The phytosanitary treatment provided for wood packaging should be carried out at all times of the year, as it serves to fight wood pests.
