All-clear for BMSB in Australia/New Zealand
At the start of the season, the most important measures remain unchanged.
Even though sea transports are becoming increasingly unpredictable, Down Under is proving to be pleasingly stable: On September 1, 2022, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season begins in Australia and New Zealand, ending on April 30, 2023. As every year, strict import regulations are in place to prevent the pest from being introduced. Chris Sutcliffe, National Customs Manager at a. hartrodt Australia in Brisbane, has good news: "The most important measures remain unchanged." While there may be spot checks on imports from the "emerging risk countries" China and the UK, according to the manager, customers "do not have to comply with any new regulations".
Experienced freight forwarder knows all regulations
With a. hartrodt, customers avoid that imports from target risk countries are rejected at the border in Australia or New Zealand. "Our 160 employees in both countries know all the regulations and find the best and most cost-effective solution in each case," Chris Sutcliffe clarifies. In Australia alone, 67 shipments were recently rejected for being non-compliant. "This shows how important it is to have an experienced freight forwarder," emphasizes the manager.
Heat for porcelain or ceramics
Target high risk goods must be fumigated or heat treated against pest infestation, and the choice of process depends on the product. "For Italian porcelain/ceramic bathroom equipment, our client prefers heat treatment whereas other commodities are ok for fumigation," explains Krissy Taylor, Christchurch Office Manager at a. hartrodt New Zealand. Chris Sutcliffe warns against packing containers too tightly and using plastic film: "Then problems with fumigation or heat treatment can be encountered." Important: Breakbulk, flatrack and open-top containers must definitely be treated prior to arrival in Australia and New Zealand.
If goods are handled in a target risk country such as Germany, a 120 hour policy must be observed: Within that time window, breakbulk must be shipped on board and containerized cargo must be sealed. "This also applies to breakbulk that is transhipped in a target risk country," explains Chris Sutcliffe