This week we posted about the conclusion of the reporting season for certain invasive pests which “hitchhike” into Australia on ships, containers and imported goods. To help raise awareness of the risk of these pests, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has launched a new website providing information on “key hitchhiker pests, the risks they pose, how to identify them, where to look and what to do if you suspect you have detected one.”
DAFF has issued Industry Advice Notice no. 84-2023: Launch of new website to raise awareness of hitchhiker pests. It advises: “…There are some serious pests that can travel to Australia on or within sea containers, imported goods and conveyances. These pests are known as hitchhikers, and we are seeing an increase in their movement globally. Some examples of hitchhiker pests include khapra beetle, giant African snail and brown marmorated stink bug.”
DAFF’s message to all participants in the import and shipping industries is:
We would appreciate your assistance with sharing this link with your relevant stakeholders. You can also use it in any communication material you develop on hitchhiker pests.
Here is the link to the New Web Page on Hitchhiker Pests.
The Hitchhiker Pest Program aims to address the risk of major invasive species that can be carried via sea containers, their cargo and associated packaging. The Department of Agriculture is reaching out to vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, importers, customs brokers, principal shipping agents, and any other operators in the sea container supply and logistics chain – to help them spread the word.
DAFF says you can help to look for signs of hitchhiker pests if you:
- unload, process or transport imported cargo from our ports
- store, unpack or sell imported goods
- are a consumer who has recently purchased imported appliances, furniture and imported other goods
- deal with imported goods on regional properties or farms
- treat, pack, send or export goods to Australia.
The Hitchhiker Pest Program aims to better manage the threat of hitchhiker pests by targeting sea containers that present the highest risk. It also aims to deliver faster, yet safe, clearance processes for lower risk sea containers. The program is being delivered over four years (2021-2025). Its scope is focused on hitchhiker pests on external and internal surfaces of shipping containers and the cargo they contain.
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.
