The Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC) high-risk season has commenced in Japan. Vessels calling at Japanese ports during this period must take note of inspection and certification requirements, particularly when planning subsequent port calls to countries with strict biosecurity regulations.
Ships departing from FSMC high-risk ports may be subject to delays or denied entry when arriving at ports in the United States, Canada, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, unless they are certified free of FSMC.
Port authorities in the USA, Canada, and Chile require vessels to present FSMC-free certificates issued by designated and approved surveyors. These certificates confirm that the vessel has been inspected and found free of FSMC egg masses.
Operators with planned voyages to any of the above countries are strongly encouraged to arrange for FSMC inspections and obtain certification while in high-risk areas such as Japan.
For reference, a joint FSMC bulletin issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is attached below.
For questions regarding certification or inspection, please contact our team at allisstokyoops@iss-shipping.com