MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 1

AGM MOTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTENTS Vessels calling at certain ports in the Asia Pacific between May and
Background 2 September should be inspected and “certified free of Asian Gypsy
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 2 Moth” prior to departure, to minimise the potential for regulatory
Q1: What are the risks related to the introduction of AGM? 2
action when arriving in a country where this destructive forest pest is
Q2: Why does the maritime industry have a role in managing AGM risks? 3
Q3: Which ports are infested by AGM and at what time of the year do not native.
the AGM females lay their eggs? 3
BACKGROUND
Q4: Which countries regulate and inspect arriving vessels for AGM? 3 The AGM, including Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria
Q5: What are the criteria for classifying a vessel as high risk of AGM? 3 albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba, is a destructive forest pest known to
Q6: What is required from a vessel that is classified as high risk of AGM? 3 spread via ocean-going vessels in international trade. The pest has established populations
Q7: Are the regulating countries performing AGM inspections all year round? 3 only in countries in the Asia Pacific, such as Russia, China, Korea, and Japan. If introduced in
Q8: What happens if AGM egg masses are detected during port inspections? 3 countries where it does not exist naturally, it has the potential to seriously affect the country’s
Q9: What are the county specific requirements? 3 agricultural and forest resources. Adult moths frequently lay their egg masses on vessels
United States of America (US) 4 and shipping containers, and since these egg clusters often survive to hatch at ports of call
Canada 5 around the world, exclusion efforts are considered a priority by many local port authorities.
Chile 6
Preventing the introduction and spread of AGM is a shared responsibility that relies on
Argentina 7 cumulative efforts at origin, en route and at arrival in port. However, it is the responsibility of
Australia 8 the ship operator to meet all port entry requirements related to AGM and managing the risk
New Zealand 9 at its origin to ensure that a vessel is free of AGM upon departure from ports in the infested
Q10: How can the crew reduce the vessel’s risk of AGM infestation? 10 areas is recognised as the key measure.
Q11: Are there other relevant sources of AGM information? 10
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
General knowledge about the AGM and each country’s requirements on how to manage
CHANGES TO THE COMMON NAME FOR ASIAN GYPSY MOTH (AGM) AGM risks will minimise the potential for regulatory action and delays during port entries.
As part of a program to review and replace insect common names that may be inappropriate or
offensive, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) has decided to remove ‘gypsy moth’ as a
The purpose of this FAQ is therefore to provide answers to some of the AGM related
recognised common name for a complex of closely related Lymantria species. A new common questions raised by Gard’s Members and clients, to summarises the requirements set forth by
name for the moth species is currently under review. each of the regulating countries and provide links to relevant government websites. The FAQ
also contains guidelines for how the crew can carry out systematic self-inspections onboard
Until a final conclusion on a new common name has been made, we will refer to the group of moths the vessel while en route.
making up the AGM complex by their scientific names, Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar
japonica, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba and Lymantria albescens, or the short form ‘AGM’. Q1: WHAT ARE THE RISKS RELATED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF AGM?
The United States has detected and eradicated many AGM infestations in the past and their
Disclaimer
Department of Agriculture describes the risks as follows: “Large infestations of AGM can
The information contained in this publication is correct as of January 2022. Whilst we have taken every completely defoliate trees, leaving them weak and more susceptible to disease or attack by
care to ensure the accuracy and quality of the information provided, Gard can accept no responsibility other insects. If defoliation is repeated for two or more years, it can lead to the death of large
in respect of any loss or damage of any kind whatsoever which may arise from reliance on information sections of forests, orchards, and landscaping. Any introduction and establishment of AGM in
contained in this publication regardless of whether such information originates from Gard, its
shareholders, correspondents or other contributors.

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 2

AGM MOTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

the United States would pose a major threat to the environment and the urban, suburban, Q6: WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM A VESSEL THAT IS CLASSIFIED AS HIGH RISK OF AGM?
and rural landscapes.” The regulating countries generally require all arriving vessels to declare whether they have
traded to ports within the regulated areas in the current or previous specified risk period and
Q2: WHY DOES THE MARITIME INDUSTRY HAVE A ROLE IN MANAGING AGM RISKS? the need for an inspection will be determined based on an assessment of the vessel’s overall
Attracted to lights, the AGM females often lay their eggs on a vessel’s superstructure. AGM risk. Most regulating countries also require vessels to be certified free of AGM. Please
Vessels and cargo, such as containers, are therefore known to be involved in the artificial see Q9 for details about each country’s entry requirements.
spread of the pest by carrying the egg masses from one port to another. AGM egg
masses tolerate extremes in temperature and moisture, and the larvae can, under the Q7: ARE THE REGULATING COUNTRIES PERFORMING AGM INSPECTIONS ALL YEAR
right conditions, hatch from an egg masse up to a year after it was attached to a vessel’s ROUND?
structure. After hatching, the larvae travel great distances with the wind to find food and Vessels entering a regulating country may be subject to inspection at any time of the year
may colonise in a new country if left unaddressed. It is therefore vital that the maritime to verify freedom from AGM. However, as the potential for larvae to hatch from egg masses
industry and relevant port authorities collaborate on measures to minimise the risk of AGM attached to a vessel in port, and spread, depends on the local climatic conditions at a
incursions and implement procedures and policies emphasising vessel inspections. specific port, each of the regulating countries may specify certain periods of the year with
heightened surveillance and more systematic inspection for AGM. Please see Q9 for details
Q3: WHICH PORTS ARE INFESTED BY AGM AND AT WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR DO about each country’s inspection procedures.
THE AGM FEMALES LAY THEIR EGGS?
AGM is found in Asia Pacific and there are high density populations in ports in East Russia, Q8: WHAT HAPPENS IF AGM EGG MASSES ARE DETECTED DURING PORT
Northeast China, Korea, and Japan. These AGM infested areas are also referred to as the INSPECTIONS?
regulated areas or the risk areas. Actions imposed on the vessel depend on each country’s regulation, taking into account
climatic conditions at the time of entry as well as the degree of AGM infestation, and the
The AGM flight season, when females lay their eggs and there is a risk of egg mass stage of development of the egg masses detected.
depositions, extends from May to OctoberSeptember, primarily from Junely to
OctoSeptember in East Russia and northern Japan, from June to September in Korea and In some cases the vessel may be allowed to berth before being cleaned and handled with
China, from mid-May to mid-September in the remaining parts of Japan depending on the insecticide spraying whilst alongside. In other cases, if the vessel’s itinerary indicate that the
specific port location. The AGM flight season is also referred to as the specified risk period presence of AGM life stages are possible and large amounts of egg masses that appear fresh
or the high-risk period in each of the regulated areas. and viable for hatching are detected, the risk may be considered too high and the vessel can
be ordered to leave the country’s territorial waters immediately. In extreme cases, vessels
Q4: WHICH COUNTRIES REGULATE AND INSPECT ARRIVING VESSELS FOR AGM? may be refused entry for up to two years during the AGM risk periods in that country (e.g.
Countries where this pest is not native and that are currently known to regulate and inspect Canada).
arriving vessels for AGM are: the United States, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Australia and
New Zealand (the regulating countries) and question Q9 below provides an overview of Q9: WHAT ARE THE COUNTY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS?
their relevant requirements. However, authorities in other countries are also likely to be Below is a summary of available information from each of the countries known to regulate
alert to the risk of this invasive and destructive pest. and inspect arriving vessels for AGM. Each country’s definition of AGM regulated areas
and specified risk periods as well as entry requirements and inspection procedures are
Q5: WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFYING A VESSEL AS HIGH RISK OF AGM? emphasised.
In general, and since the AGM larvae can hatch from egg masses up to a year after they were
laid/attached to the vessel, a vessel which has called at a port in a regulated area during the
specified risk period of the current or previous calendar year is considered high risk of AGM.
However, there is no uniform international definition of the regulated areas or specified risk
periods and we refer to Q9 and the country specific requirements for further details.

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 3

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (US)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM APHIS
(APHIS, www.aphis.usda.gov). Relevant information includes a separate AGM web page, found under the Plant Pests and
Diseases Programs. This page provides links to a number of useful publications such as the
US’ DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS AGM Pest Alert as well as to their relevant inspection requirements, outlined in the Special
Regulated areas include ports in East Russia, Japan, Korea and Northern China and the US Procedures for Ships Arriving from Areas with AGM. APHIS has also produced a AGM
base its AGM policy on the specified risk periods presented in the table below. Inspectional Pocket Guide which provides helpful instructions to the crew responsible for
performing self-assessments, e.g. what the egg masses look like, where they might be found
CHANGES TO SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS on vessels, and how the eggs should be removed.
Beginning in 2022, the US and Canada have implemented changes to their policies on AGM
regulated areas, which means that the time period where AGM certification is required for vessels
that have called on certain ports in Japan and Russia has been increased/lengthened. However, for US (AND CANADA) REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS (SRP)
the first year of implementation (2022), a transition between their old and new AGM program policy
will be in place. For example, a vessel that received its AGM certificate when the old risk periods
were in place (2021 SRP) will not be penalised if it has not returned to one of the regulated areas in Country/ports or prefectures 2021 SRP 2022 SRP
the year that the new risk periods came into force (2022 SRP).
East Russia 1 Jul - 30 Sep 15 Jun - 15 Oct
Nakhodka, Ol’ga, Plastun, Pos’yet, Russkiy Island, Slavyanka,
US ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Vanino, Vladivostok, Vostochny, Zarubino, Kozmino
Vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the regulated areas during the
China 1 Jun - 30 Sep 1 Jun - 30 Sep
specified risk period must:
All ports in northern China, including all ports north of
Shanghai (defined as all ports on or north of 31°15’ N latitude)
• obtain a valid pre-departure certificate from a recognised certification body issued at
the last port of call in a regulated area; Republic of Korea 1 Jun - 30 Sep 1 Jun - 30 Sep
• perform vessel self-inspections en route; and All ports
• forward a copy of the pre-departure certificate together with two years of port of call Japan - Northern 1 Jul - 30 Sep 15 Jun - 15 Oct
data to the vessel’s local agent in time to ensure the information can be made available Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita*, Yamagata*,
to at least 96 hours prior to arrival. The agent must ensure that this information is Fukushima
provided to US officials at least 96 hours prior to arrival. Japan - Western (2021) 25 Jun - 15 Sep
Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa
INSPECTIONS IN US PORTS Japan Central (2022) 1 Jun - 30 Sep
Japan - Eastern (2021) 20 Jun - 20 Aug
We are not aware that any specific heightened surveillance periods are specified for US
Fukui, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo,
ports. Although climatic periods conducive to sustain AGM lifecycles are likely to occur Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie
from March through September in Northern US ports, such conditions may exist all year
round in Southern US ports. It is therefore the local climatic conditions at a given US port at Japan - Southern 1 Jun - 10 Aug 15 May - 31 Aug
the time of entry as well as a vessel’s itinerary and certification that determines its level of Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama,
risk. The following enforcement actions can be expected: Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi,
Fukuoka, Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kumamoto,
Kagoshima
• Non-certified vessels will receive AGM inspections at all US ports on each voyage when
the itinerary suggests an AGM risk. Japan - Far Southern 25 May - 30 Jun 25 May - 30 Jun
• Certified vessels will be subject to an assessment of risk to determine the need for Okinawa
inspection.
* Akita and Yamagata were in Western SRP region of Japan in 2021
• If AGM is suspected on a vessel, re-inspections at subsequent ports will occur.
• If AGM is detected, and/or confirmed, the vessel will be subject to receive removal
orders and may be removed from port.
© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 4
CANADA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA, www. introducing AGM has been mitigated, the vessel will be ordered out of Canadian waters and
inspection.gc.ca). may be refused entry for up to two years during the AGM risk period for Canada. Outside
the AGM high risk periods for Canada, vessels classified as high risk of AGM are likely to be
CANADA’S DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS allowed to berth without interruption, subject to inspections at the discretion of the CIFA.
CIFA and the US APHIS are working together to manage AGM risks at origin and the
Canadian requirements are aligned with the requirements enforced in US ports. Hence, Vessels which have visited a regulated area, that present a valid pre-departure certificate,
Canada’s definition of regulated areas and specified risk periods are equivalent to and that are found free of AGM after phytosanitary inspection by authorities in the US, Chile,
those of the US specified in the table above. In addition, CIFA has published a policy or New Zealand, may enter a Canadian port without inspection, provided that the original
clarification stating that the country’s AGM policy does not exempt bunkering locations, confirmation of inspection is presented as part of the pre-arrival documentation. However, it
including those at anchorage sites, located in the defined regulated areas. is important to note that any such inspection reports issued by authorities in the US, Chile or
New Zealand are not considered as a replacement for the required pre-departure certificate
CHANGES TO SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS issued by a recognised certification body in the Asia Pacific port.
Beginning in 2022, Canada and the US have implemented changes to their policies on AGM
regulated areas, which means that the time period where AGM certification is required for vessels Vessels calling on all ports of Labrador and north across Canada to the Yukon territory
that have called on certain ports in Japan and Russia has been increased/lengthened. However, for
(including all ports in Yukon territory, Northwest territory, Nunavut, and all ports in Ontario
the first year of implementation (2022), a transition between their old and new AGM program policy
will be in place. For example, a vessel that received its AGM certificate when the old risk periods and Quebec adjacent to Hudson Bay or James Bay) are exempt from the AGM certification
were in place (2021 SRP) will not be penalised if it has not returned to one of the regulated areas in requirements if these ports are the first and only ports of call in Canada. However, vessels
the year that the new risk periods came into force (2022 SRP). calling on these northern ports are not exempt from notification requirements for AGM and
must provide their port of call data as per the requirements above.
CANADIAN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As for entry to US ports, vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM CIFA
regulated areas during the specified risk period must: Relevant information includes a separate AGM web page, found under the Plant Protection
Program. This page provides links to a number of useful publications such as the Pest
• obtain a valid pre-departure certificate from a recognised certification body issued at Factsheet as well as to the relevant inspection requirements, outlined in Policy Directive
the last port of call in a regulated area; D-95-03. In addition, CFIA has produced an Inspect Before Entry Guide which provides
• perform vessel self-inspections en route; and helpful instructions to the crew responsible for performing self-assessments. The guide can
• forward a copy of the pre-departure certificate together with two years of port of call also be printed as a poster that can be displayed onboard
data to the vessel’s local agent in time to ensure the information can be made available the vessel.
to Canadian officials at least 96 hours prior to arrival.

INSPECTIONS IN CANADIAN PORTS

CIFA states that the AGM risk period for Canada begins on 1 March in Western Canadian
ports and on 15 March in Eastern Canadian ports and ends on 15 September for all
Canadian ports. During these periods, vessels arriving without the required certificates and
inspection reports may be refused entry into Canada unless an inspection by the CFIA at
a designated offshore inspection site is conducted, and the inspector is satisfied that the
risk of introducing AGM has been mitigated. If an inspector is not satisfied that the risk of

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 5

CHILE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service CHILEAN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), www.sag.cl). Vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the regulated areas during the
specified risk period must:
CHILE’S DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS
SAG’s regulations concerning entry of vessels from areas with presence of AGM (Exempt • obtain a valid pre-departure certificate from a recognised certification body issued at the
Resolution No.: 4412/2013) entered into force in February 2014. Regulated areas include last port of call in a regulated area; and
ports in East Russia, Japan, Korea and China between 60°N and 20°N latitude and Chile • ensure a copy of the pre-departure certificate together with two years of port of call data
bases its AGM policy on the specified risk periods presented in the table below. is forwarded to the Chilean officials at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

INSPECTIONS IN CHILEAN PORTS

CHILE REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS
We are not aware that any specific heightened surveillance periods are specified for Chilean
All ports located between 60°N and 20°N latitude in: ports. Vessels arriving without the required certificates will be subject to inspections – the
extent and location of the inspection will be determined based on an assessment of a
Specified vessel’s overall AGM risk. Such inspection must take place in daylight and free pratique may
Country/ports or prefectures risk period not be granted until the inspection has been completed.
East Russia 1 Jul - 30 Sep
AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM SAG
China 1 Jun - 30 Sep Relevant information (in Spanish) includes a separate AGM web page, with links to the
South Korea 1 Jun - 30 Sep country’s regulations, procedures, instructions and forms, and other guiding documents.
North Korea 1 Jun - 30 Sep
An English version (unofficial translation) of the Chilean regulations can be found here:
Japan - Northern 1 Jul - 30 Sep Res. No. 4412/2013 (en) as revised by Res. No.8870/2015 (en). Other useful documents in
Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima English include the posters: “Check the ship before your arrival to Chile” and “AGM”.
Japan - Western 25 Jun - 15 Sep
Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa
Japan - Eastern 20 Jun - 20 Aug
Fukui, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie
Japan - Southern 1 Jun - 10 Aug
Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama,
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka,
Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
Japan - Far Southern 25 May - 30 Jun
Okinawa

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 6

ARGENTINA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Argentine National Food Safety and Quality ARGENTINE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Service (Servicio Nacional De Sanidad Y Calidad Agroalimentaria, (SENASA), Vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the regulated areas during the
www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa). specified risk period must:
• obtain a valid pre-departure certificate from a recognised certification body issued at the
ARGENTINA’S DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS last port of call in a regulated area; and
Regulated areas include ports in East Russia, Japan, Korea and China between 60°N and • forward a copy of the pre-departure certificate together with two years of port of call data
20°N latitude and Argentina base their AGM policy on the following definition of regulated to the vessel’s local agent in time to ensure the information can be made available to
areas and specified risk periods: Argentine officials at least 72 hours prior to arrival.

ARGENTINA REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS Vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the AGM regulated areas outside the
specified risk period are exempted from the certification requirements, but are still required
All ports located between 60°N and 20°N latitude in: to notify SENASA about such visits.
Specified
Country/ports or prefectures risk period INSPECTIONS IN ARGENTINE PORTS
We are not aware that any specific heightened surveillance periods are specified for
East Russia 15 Jul – 25 Sep Argentine ports. All vessels that, in the past 24 months, have visited one of the AGM
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Vanino, Nevelsk, Kholmsk, Korsakov, regulated areas will be subject to an assessment of risk to determine the need for inspection.
Kozmino, Slavyanka, Posiet, Zarubino, Vostochny, Nakhodka, A vessel’s overall AGM risk, and the extent and location of the required inspection, will be
Vladivostok determined based on her trade pattern, length of stay in regulated areas, official certificates
China 1 Jun - 30 Sep as well as seasonal variations such as population levels of AGM.
All ports
AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM SENASA
South Korea 1 Jun - 30 Sep
The Argentine resolution 764/2020 was published in the Official Gazette on 14 October
Busan, Jinhae, Masan, Tongyeong, Jangseongpo, Okpo, Gohyeon,
2020, and its postponed entry into force date notified in Disposición 1/2021 of 4 January
Incheon, Pyeongtaek-Dangjin, Daesan, Taean, Donghae-Mukho,
2021. The resolution also has two important annexes: Annex I contains the prescribed form
Okgye, Hosan, Ulsan, Pohang, Gwangyang, Hadong, Samcheonpo,
of certificate, and Annex II specifies the AGM regulated areas and specified risk periods. An
Yeosu, Gunsan, Mokpo, Boryeong
English version (unofficial translation) of the Argentine requirements can be found here.
Japan - Northern 1 Jul - 30 Sep
Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima
Japan - Western 25 Jun - 15 Sep
Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa
Japan - Eastern 20 Jun - 20 Aug
Fukui, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie
Japan - Southern 1 Jun - 10 Aug
Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama,
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka,
Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
Japan - Far Southern 25 May - 30 Jun
Okinawa

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 7

AUSTRALIA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water INSPECTIONS IN AUSTRALIAN PORTS
Resources (DAFF, www.agriculture.gov.au). DAFF states that the heightened surveillance period for Australian ports is between January
and May each year. Vessels classified as high risk of AGM will be assessed by DAFF to
AUSTRALIA’S DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS determine the need for AGM inspection on arrival and will be notified if a targeted AGM
The regulated areas include ports in Russia only and Australia base their AGM policy on the inspection is required as part of their first port arrival formalities.
specified risk periods in the table below:
AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM DAFF
AUSTRALIA REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS Relevant information includes a separate AGM web page and an AGM factsheet. Access to
the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS), containing Pre-Arrival Report forms, user
Specified guides and frequently asked questions, is available via DAFF’s Biosecurity > Vessels portal.
Country/ports or prefectures risk period Changes to the targeted AGM inspection program are usually announced through their
Import Industry Advice Notices.
East Russia 1 Jul - 30 Sep
All ports between 40°N and 60°N latitude and west of 147°E
longitude

AUSTRALIAN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Operators of vessels are obligated to accurately report information in accordance with
Section 193 of Australia’s Biosecurity Act 2015. As part of the Australian Maritime Arrivals
Reporting System (MARS) and the required Pre-Arrival Report (PAR), vessels are required
to:
• disclose whether they, in the past 24 months, visited a port in the regulated area during
the specified risk period; and
• lodge the information in MARS no later than 12 hours prior to arrival.

Vessels should also advise DAFF if they since the last port call in a regulated area have
been inspected and cleared by an agricultural authority in Australia, Russia, Canada,
New Zealand or the US, and forward a copy of the relevant clearance certificate as an
attachment to the PAR.

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 8

NEW ZEALAND
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The AGM programme is managed by the Ministry of Primary Industries NEW ZEALAND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(MPI, www.mpi.govt.nz). Vessels that, in the past 12 months, have visited one of the regulated areas during the
specified risk period must:
NEW ZEALAND’S DEFINITION OF REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS
Regulated areas include ports in East Russia, Japan, Korea and Northern China and New • obtain a valid pre-departure certificate from a recognised certification body issued at the
Zealand base their AGM policy on the following definition of regulated areas and specified last port of call in a regulated area;
risk periods: • make sure the certificate confirms that the vessel was inspected during the daylight hours
on the same date as the vessel’s departure; and
• forward a copy of the pre-departure certificate together with one year of port of call data
NEW ZEALAND REGULATED AREAS AND SPECIFIED RISK PERIODS to the MPI at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
Specified
INSPECTIONS IN NEW ZEALAND PORTS
Country/ports or prefectures risk period
We are not aware that any specific heightened surveillance periods are specified for New
East Russia 1 Jul - 30 Sep Zealand ports. Vessels arriving without the required certificates will be subject to inspection
South of 60°N latitude and west of 147° longitude (excluding those at a specific port as determined by the MPI or potentially four nautical miles offshore at an
ports on the Kamchatka Peninsula) agreed location if the risk is considered to be very high.
China 1 Jun - 30 Sep
North of 31° 15´ N latitude AVAILABLE INFORMATION FROM THE MPI
Relevant information is found under the Hitchhiker Pests website. This page provides links
South Korea 1 Jun – 30 Sep to a number of useful publications, such as the brochure ”Don’t bring hitchhikers to New
In all areas Zealand on your commercial vessel“ as well as to the relevant inspection requirements,
Japan - Northern 1 Jun - 10 Aug outlined in the Craft Risk Management Standard (CRMS) Vessels. In addition, the website
Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima 1 Jul – 30 Sep Vessel arrival process steps provides an overview of all requirements applicable to vessels
Japan – Western 25 Jun – 15 Sep arriving in New Zealand, including those related to biosecurity and AGM inspections.
Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa,
Japan – Eastern 20 Jun – 20 Aug
Fukui, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie
Japan - Southern 1 Jun – 10 Aug
Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama,
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka,
Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
Japan – Far Southern 25 May – 30 Jun
Okinawa

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 9

AGM MOTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q10: HOW CAN THE CREW REDUCE THE VESSEL’S RISK OF AGM INFESTATION? • Scrape off any egg masses found and destroy them in alcohol, boiling water or by
The implementation of proper routines for carrying out systematic self-inspections incineration. Do not paint over egg masses or drop egg masses into the sea as this will
onboard the vessel while en route can be a good way to avoid delays and re-routing during not kill the eggs or larvae.
subsequent port calls. • Record details of the inspections undertaken and the removal and disposal of AGM egg
masses in the vessel’s deck log book.
Guides for conducting vessel self-inspections have been published by various authorities
and are available to download, examples are Canadian authorities’ “Inspect Before Q11: ARE THERE OTHER RELEVANT SOURCES OF AGM INFORMATION?
Entry“ and US authorities’ “AGM Inspectional Pocket Guide.” The guides provide helpful North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO)
instructions to vessel crews on what the egg masses look like, where they might be found NAPPO (www.nappo.org) is a forum for public and private sectors in Canada, U.S. and
onboard the vessels, and how the eggs should be removed and destroyed. In summary, the Mexico to collaborate in the development of science-based standards intended to protect
crew should: agricultural, forest and other plant resources against regulated plant pests, while facilitating
• Carry out a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the vessel’s trade. NAPPO has published the standard RSPM 33: Guidelines for regulating the movement
superstructure, decks, holds, cargo and cargo gear. Use binoculars to inspect of ships and cargo from areas infested with the AGM describing various risk management
unreachable areas. Egg masses are often deposited in sheltered locations, in crevices options for vessels which called at ports where the AGM is present. In December 2021, it also
or cavities, under tarps, behind doors, around light fixtures, and underneath the hold published a position paper documenting a review of, and proposed changes to, the AGM
rims. As female AGMs are attracted to light, female moths could lay their egg masses specified risk periods in Japan, Russia, South Korea, and China.
on surfaces of the vessel exposed to night lights.

Look for moths while calling at ports in Asia Pacific. Search for egg masses while on route Do not paint over egg masses - scrape off and destroy
Photo courtesy of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Photo courtesy of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) them. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Food Inspection
Agency (CIFA)

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 10

AGM MOTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BIMCO
The BIMCO clause “AGM Clause for Time Charter Parties” focusing on the basic
obligations and responsibilities of owners and charterers when dealing with AGM was
published in January 2015. The Cclause deals with any and all life stages of the moth and
consists of three sub-clauses:
• Sub-clause (a) sets out owners’ obligation to deliver a vessel free of AGM and to
provide an AGM Free Certificate on delivery if the ship has traded to areas regulated
for AGM in the last 24 months prior to delivery.
• Sub-clause (b) sets out charterers’ obligation during the time charter period to take
all reasonable steps at their expense to mitigate the risk of infestation, remove any
infestations from the ship and cargo, and to obtain AGM Free Certificates. Should an
infestation of AGM be found or suspected, the charterers shall also be responsible for
any consequences whatsoever.
• Sub-clause (c) ensures that the charterers’ obligations on redelivery mirror those of the
owners on delivery. The charterers must redeliver the vessel free of AGM and with an
accompanying AGM Free Certificate, if relevant.

The full text of the AGM Clause for Time Charter Parties can be found in the Contracts
& Clauses section of BIMCO’s website at www.bimco.org and Members and clients are
recommended to verify that the wording of existing charterparties addresses the allocation
of responsibilities in respect of the risk of infestation by AGM.

A collection of AGM information, both general and country specific, is also made available
by BIMCO and can be found in the Ships, Ports & Voyage section of their website.

© Gard, February 2022 MANAGING AGM MOTH RISKS 11

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