Today (07 November 2023) the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued Advice Notice 234-2023: ‘Commencement of 2023-24 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) (Arhopalus ferus) flight season.’
From time to time we report on a number of pests that “hitchhike” a ride in shipping containers into Australia, such as Stink Bugs and Khapra Beetles. We are now entering the flight season of the pest known as Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) Beetle (Arhopalus ferus), which extends from November to April/May. During this period, adult beetles are often intercepted at the Australian border on ships from New Zealand.
DAFF advises that it will commence its annual heightened surveillance regime for managing the risks posed by Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) beetles on vessels departing from New Zealand from 00:01 hours (NZST) on Wednesday 08 November 2023.
What to look for.
The BPL beetle is likely to enter Australia on vessels and cargo including imported timber and machinery from New Zealand. DAFF requests international vessel masters, shipping agents and importers of timber products to remain vigilant for BPL and advise them, as soon as possible, of any suspected detections of the pest.
Look for adult beetles seeking shelter in dark secluded areas during daylight and in imported cargo or vessels. Adults are active from dusk to dawn and are attracted to light. (The conditions are similar the those we reported last BPL Season).
Commodities imported from NZ that may carry affected timber include:
- Unfinished timber
- Logs, log cabins and oversized timber
- Plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and veneer sheets.
Please note the following exemptions:
- Consignments already loaded onto vessels before the commencement of the flight season are exempt from BPL flight season treatment requirements.
- Consignments already loaded and sealed into containers before the commencement of the flight season are also exempt from BPL treatment requirements.
See. Secure. Report.
If you see this BPL pest or any other pest that you think may have hitchhiked to Australia, contain it, where possible and immediately report it to DAFF or your shipping agent.
For your safety, ask to consult a department entomologist before handling specimens. Report a pest or disease concern.
DAFF will issue a notification for the conclusion of the BPL flight season in 2024.
They have developed a BPL webpage to assist in the detection of BPL.
For correct information about all your imports, including quarantine inspections and treatments, contact us here at Colless Young. As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we handle your cargo economically and professionally. Based in Brisbane, Colless Young provides a complete range of logistics services, including exports, both by sea and airfreight, at all major Australian ports and airports.
