The Department of Agriculture has today announced the conclusion of the Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) flight season. This will be followed at the end of April by the end of the Stink Bug (BMSB) season. The Asian Gypsy Moth (FSCM) remains subject to alert until its season finishes at the end of May.
Today (17 April 2023) the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued their official Industry Advice Notice no. 86-2023: “Conclusion of the Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) flight season and BPL vessel inspections.” It is directed to the attention of international vessel masters, shipping agents and importers of timber and timber products.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Primary Industries New Zealand (MPI NZ) advised DAFF that the 2021-2022 flight season of the Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) beetle was to conclude at midnight, 2400 hours on 13 April 2023.
DAFF will therefore cease its annual heightened surveillance regime for managing the risks posed by BPL beetles on vessels departing New Zealand from midnight, 2400 hours (NZST) on 13 April 2023.
- The Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) will no longer send a BPL questionnaire to targeted vessels after submission of mandatory pre-arrival reporting.
- Timber and timber products imported from New Zealand will no longer be subject to specific import requirements that are applied during the BPL flight season.
We expect that the next heightened alert for BPL will commence in November 2023.
The Burnt Pine Longicorn beetle can enter Australia on vessels and cargo including imported timber and machinery from NZ. Adult beetles seek shelter in dark secluded areas during daylight and in imported cargo or vessels. The adults are active from dusk to dawn and are attracted to light.
Commodities imported from NZ that carry affected timber include: unfinished timber logs; log cabins and oversized timber plywood; laminated veneer lumber and veneer sheets.
We will continue to bring you updates on exotic pests that threaten the import market and Australia’s vulnerable environment.
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.
