Heightened surveillance of timber packing materials originating from China
Dear Clients,
The Department of Agriculture has intercepted Asian longhorn beetle, the brown mulberry longhorn beetle and the Japanese sawyer beetle in timber pallets imported from China. These beetles are considered significant pests of living trees. The infested pallets were stamped with the treatment identification code ISPM15 HT and arrived into Australia with supporting documentation which confirmed treatment.
What is happening now?
Businesses that have access to timber pallets or dunnage imported from China are asked to inspect them for signs of insect damage or ineffective treatment. Holes and piles of frass (fine sawdust), large pieces of bark or the presence of mould or fungus are all indicators that the ISPM15 treatment may not have been effective.
Suspect timber packaging should be reported to the Department on: 1800 19 55 43
For more information refer to the Departments industry advice notice 59-2014 – Heightened surveillance of timber packing materials originating from China.