13 November 2012

The Ministry of Primary Industries New Zealand (MPI NZ) has advised the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) that the 2012-2013 flight season of the Burnt Pine Longicorn beetle (also known as BPL or Arhopalus tristis or Arhopalus ferus) will commence for all New Zealand ports as of 18:30 hours (NZST) on Monday 12/11/2012.

BPL is a serious forestry pest that was introduced to New Zealand in the mid-1950s. Since its introduction BPL has established throughout the North Island, and can be found as far south as Timaru in the South Island. It is known to attack logs, stumps, and standing dead or dying pine trees and the adult beetle is known to take shelter amongst sawn and manufactured timber products during the November – April flight season. While no immediate damage is caused to imported timber commodities, the association of BPL with these commodities creates a possible pathway entry into Australia.

Ministry of Primary Industries New Zealand (MPI NZ), in consultation with DAFF, has developed an export risk management system that manages the biosecurity risk of BPL establishing in Australia via imported sawn timber, timber mouldings, plywood and veneer sheeting and panel products from New Zealand.

Certification requirements:

1. A Phytosanitary Certificate must be issued by (MPI NZ) for all commercial consignments of sawn timber, timber mouldings, plywood and veneer sheeting and panel products exported from New Zealand. This certificate may be electronically generated, and must certify that either:
   
   
   1. Containerised timber was packed and sealed prior to the commencement of BPL season; or
   2. All consignments covered by the certificate have been treated in accordance with the DAFF/MPI agreement for the elimination of BPL; or
   3. All consignments covered by the certificate have been treated in accordance with one of the following:
      • Methyl bromide fumigation at 48g/m³ for 12 hours at a minimum temperature of 15°C; or
      • Methyl bromide fumigation at 56g/m3 for 12 hours at a minimum temperature of 10°C; or
      • Insecticidal Pestigas, Permigas or Pybuthrin 33, applied at a dosage rate of 50g/100m3.

      Note: Insecticidal Pestigas, Permigas or Pybuthrin 33 is acceptable for consignments of panel products, dressed timber and timber mouldings only.

   4. Consignments of New Zealand timber that arrive in Australia without acceptable Phytosanitary certification will be subject to onshore inspection or treatment.

Further information

Inspection requirements for timber and vessels carrying timber from affected New Zealand ports are available on ICON.

If you require further information or assistance regarding the import requirements you can refer to ICON or please email the Timber and Timber Products National Co–ordination Centre, or telephone 03 8318 6929, or fax 03 8318 6777.

For enquiries on specific vessel issues please email bcdseaporttrial@daff.gov.au.