Changes

Timber produced by the Canadian green sawn wood certification program (CGSWCP) between December 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021 is recognised as being free from brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (BMSB), risk under a safeguarding arrangement.

In recognition of this safeguarding arrangement, for CGSWCP goods exported to Australia within the 2020/2021 BMSB season, the following statement is required on CGSWCP certificates for goods that are produced between December 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021:

• “All goods included on this certificate were produced between 1 December 2020 and April 30 2021 and are free from brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys).”

The above BMSB safeguarding requirement applies to CGSWCP timber produced after 1 December 2020 and will remain in place until 30 April 2021. Timber produced through the CGSWCP prior to 1 December 2020 are not considered part of the safeguarding arrangement. Additionally, timber produced after 30 April 2021 will not be considered part of the safeguarding arrangement.

Importers should also note that the existing Canadian Green Sawn Wood Certification Program (CGSWCP) is being modified and renamed as the ‘Canadian Sawn Wood Certification Program’ (CSWCP). The modification will widen the program from green sawn wood only to now incorporate both green sawn wood and sawn wood that has been kiln dried at a low temperature (less than 56 degrees Celsius). Goods produced through the program under the new name will need be accompanied by a CSWCP certificate.

The department will provide information about changes to import conditions when the program name has changed as soon as possible.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers, Assessment Services Group and Inspections Group.

Further information:
For further information on import conditions please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.

For further information on BMSB related policy please refer to the seasonal measures for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) webpage:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/before/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs