The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is to fine ships arriving in US ports without Asian Gypsy Moth certification from 1 January, as well as two-year ports of call data for the vessel, in an effort to reduce what has become an increasing problem this year in infested vessels.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is to fine ships arriving in US ports without Asian Gypsy Moth certification from 1 January, as well as two-year ports of call data for the vessel, in an effort to reduce what has become an increasing problem this year in infested vessels.
Any vessel that does not present the required documentation prior to 1 January 2015 that has visited “an AGM port during the high-risk season” will be issued a warning, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said, in what is also a coordinated effort with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The two regulatory authorities said monetary penalties issued by the CFIA for non-compliance with the AGM requirements remained unchanged, which it said were “typically issued when notification of arrival of a regulated vessel is not made or when required certification is not presented”.
Last week, LLL reported that several US-bound containerships had been held for up to a week before being allowed entry into US ports because of infestation from Asian Gypsy Moths, in what US Customs and Border Protection describes as the worst Asian Gypsy Moth season in recent memory.
Under the new regime, for vessels that have called on areas regulated for AGM during the specified periods, the following measures are required:
1. Vessels must be inspected and obtain pre-departure certification from a recognized certification body in Russia, Japan, China, or Korea and forward a copy of the certificate, stating that the vessel is free of Asian gypsy moth life stages, to their U.S or Canadian agents. The inspections should be performed as close to departure time from the regulated port as possible.
2. Vessels must provide two-year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival at a North American port, to the Canadian or US agent. The agent will ensure that this information is provided to US and Canadian officials.
The authorities said it was the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all requirements for entry to the US and Canada for freedom from AGM and other pest concerns. “We strongly urge maritime interests to take all possible precautions,” the agencies said.
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