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Heat treatment highly likely

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is likely to insist on heat treatment being used with the aim of not just killing brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSBS), but all insects.
Posted on 09 April, 2018

The treatment already used on some vehicles arriving in New Zealand from Japan over the past month will probably be reintroduced when the stink-bug season starts again in September this year and could even become a mainstay of the MPI’s inspection / treatment process into the longer-term future. David Vinsen, chief executive of VIA (the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association), told Autofile: “This biosecurity issue – even though costly and disruptive across all of the supply chain – has resulted in some positives. For example, there has been fantastic co-operation between the government, and its agencies, and the industry.” “Due to our “just in time” supply chain this bio security incursion has significantly affected us and this is one time that having an efficient system has not helped us, and we’ll be further stretched this month with 30,000 units arriving in Auckland.” Vinsen adds: “It’s highly likely the MPI will insist on heat treatment for future bug seasons at least, and there’s some potential for this to become permanent. What this means for the industry is that border costs will increase and fees are bound to rise for all imported vehicles. “Biosecurity remains the number-one priority with research, treatments and inspections needing to be funded. On top of this, importers are now required to diligently check all recalls (including for Takata airbags). We expect that costs will increase for inspection companies in Japan and they will have no option but to pass those on.” VIA, in an email alert to members, advises recent changes to shipping schedules have led to vessels discharging large numbers of used cars with this month’s aggregate of around 30,000 being the largest ever.  Its urging all businesses to assist by making sure all documentation is in order, compliance centres are open, and receiving yards and transport companies are aware of shipments.