Shipping lines must have papers to show ships are gypsy moth-free
SHIPPING lines must be ready for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) regulations governing ships arriving at North American ports this summer, in order to avoid disruption to supply chains, warns maritime services provider Inchcape Shipping Services.
The US Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are taking measures against infestation, targeting the Far East, Russia, Japan, Korea and northern China because the insect's presence is high in these regions this year, said Inchcape.
The agency warns that when vessels arrive without the required AGM documentation, or if signs of the moth are detected, there can be delays in cargo handling, adding that it is the responsibility of the carrier to meet requirements for US and Canadian entry.
"Vessels must be inspected and obtain pre-departure certification from a recognised certification body located in a regulated area and forward a copy of the certificate, stating that the vessel is free of Asian gypsy moth life stages, to their US or Canadian agents. The inspections should be performed as close to departure time from the regulated port as possible," the Inchcape advisory said.
"Shipping lines should perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for, remove [scrape off] and properly dispose or destroy all egg masses and other life stages of AGM prior to entering US and Canadian ports," said the advisory.
"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," it said.
Asian Gypsy Moth is considered a serious pest that can be carried on the superstructure of ships and cargo and is prevalent in seaport areas. US and Canadian authorities intercepted a large number of vessels with AGM egg masses arriving in North America last year.
SHIPPING lines must be ready for Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) regulations governing ships arriving at North American ports this summer, in order to avoid disruption to supply chains, warns maritime services provider Inchcape Shipping Services.
The US Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are taking measures against infestation, targeting the Far East, Russia, Japan, Korea and northern China because the insect's presence is high in these regions this year, said Inchcape.
The agency warns that when vessels arrive without the required AGM documentation, or if signs of the moth are detected, there can be delays in cargo handling, adding that it is the responsibility of the carrier to meet requirements for US and Canadian entry.
"Vessels must be inspected and obtain pre-departure certification from a recognised certification body located in a regulated area and forward a copy of the certificate, stating that the vessel is free of Asian gypsy moth life stages, to their US or Canadian agents. The inspections should be performed as close to departure time from the regulated port as possible," the Inchcape advisory said.
"Shipping lines should perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for, remove [scrape off] and properly dispose or destroy all egg masses and other life stages of AGM prior to entering US and Canadian ports," said the advisory.
"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," it said.
Asian Gypsy Moth is considered a serious pest that can be carried on the superstructure of ships and cargo and is prevalent in seaport areas. US and Canadian authorities intercepted a large number of vessels with AGM egg masses arriving in North America last year.