Ahead of AGM season, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the measures of preventing spread of AGM for commercial vessel arriving from AGM regulated area (Far East Russia, Japan, Korea and Northern China).

In 2019 and 2020, due to outbreaks of AGM population in many regulated ports, a high number of vessels arrived in North American ports with AGM egg masses. To prevent a similar situation in 2021, vessels calling at ports in AGM regulated area should take extra vigilance in conducting self-inspection and obtaining the required pre-departure certificates properly.

Please refer our Japan P&I News No.1092 dated 23 September 2020 “US－Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM)－Detected AGM egg masses on four Pure Car Carrier by Baltimore CBP”.

Please note that in addition to the United States and Canada, Chile, New Zealand and Argentina (Argentina will have new AGM regulation effective 12 April 2021) are AGM regulated countries and will require similar measures. And Australia is not an AGM regulated country, but will conduct ship inspections related to AGM in a pilot position, so please conduct your own inspection before arriving at the port.

We wish you a pleasant voyage.