No.877-17/03/01
To the Members
Dear Sirs,
Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM)
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
which they have alerted that there should be a significant delay in case of vessels arriving
without the required AGM certification, or upon detection of AGM. Please check theattachment for more information.
Yours faithfully,
The Japan Ship Owners' Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association
Loss Prevention and Ship Inspection DepartmentTel:+81 3 3662 7229

Fax:

+81 3 3662 7107

E-mail:lossprevention-dpt@piclub.or.jp

Website:https://www.piclub.or.jp

Attachment 1: 2017 USDA-CFIA Joint AGM Pre-Season Bulletin
Attachment 2: Circular from USDAAsian Gypsy MothFebruary 2017
Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is a serious pest that can be carried on ships and cargo. AGM
populations are prevalent in some seaport areas in Far East Russia, Japan, Korea, and Northern
China. If introduced, AGM would have significant negative impacts on North American forestry
and agriculture, the natural environment, the commerce that relies on those plant resources, andmarket access.
Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of AGM and with required pre-departure
certification. It is vital that the maritime industry and authorities in the United States (U.S.)
and Canada collaborate on measures to minimize the risk of AGM incursion. Although theplant health and agricultural agencies of the U.S. and Canada are independent and have differencesin their legislation, AGM risk mitigation and exclusion efforts are a joint effort and a high priority.
When vessels arrive without the required AGM certification, or when AGM is detected,
significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in routine clearance canoccur, resulting in loss of revenue to the shipping line and associated parties.
The shipping industry is now more aware of necessary quarantine compliance for AGM. Thishas been vital to maintaining shipping schedules. Both countries are committed to working withindustry partners on measures to reduce AGM risk at origin.

Actions
For vessels that have called on areas regulated for AGM during the specified periods, as
outlined in Table 1, the following measures are required:
1.

Vessels must be inspected and must obtain pre-departure certification from arecognized certification body. A copy of the certificate, stating that the vessel is free of
AGM life stages, must be forwarded to their U.S or Canadian agents. The certificate
must be issued from at least the last port of call in a regulated area that was visited
during the specific risk period.

2. Vessels must arrive in North American ports free from AGM. To avoid facing
inspection delays, re-routing and other potential impacts associated with mitigating therisk of entry of AGM to North America, shipping lines should perform intensive vessel
self-inspections to look for, remove (scrape off) and properly dispose of or destroy all
egg masses and other life stages of AGM prior to entering U.S. and Canadian ports.
3. Vessels must provide two year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival ina North American port, to the Canadian or U.S. agent. The agent is to ensure that
this information is provided to U.S. and Canadian officials.
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Table 1. Regulated Areas and Specified Risk Periods
Country
Port or Prefecture
Nakhodka, Ol'ga, Plastun, Pos'yet, Russkiy Island,
Russian Far East
Slavyanka, Vanino, Vladivostok, Vostochny, Zarubino,
KozminoAll ports in northern China, including all ports on or northPeople's Republic of China
of 31° 15´Republic of Korea

All ports

Japan – Northern

Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima

Japan Western

Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa

Japan – EasternJapan – Southern
Japan - Far Southern

Fukui, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi,
Mie
Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane,
Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima,
Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka, Oita, Saga, Nagasaki, Miyazaki,
Kumamoto, Kagoshima
Okinawa

Specified Period
July1 to September
30
June 1 to September
30
June 1 to September
30
July 1 to September
30
June 25 to September
15
June 20 to August 20
June 1 to August 10
May 25 to June 30

In addition, vessels are reminded to ensure they are in good repair and decks are clear ofdebris and unnecessary obstacles to allow for thorough inspection both in AGM regulatedareas and upon arrival in North America. While in regulated ports during moth flight periods
and where port operations and safety allow, reducing lighting and keeping exterior doors andcurtains closed may reduce the number of moths being attracted to the vessel. Requesting
inspection and certification services as far in advance as possible and providing two-year portof call history at the time of that request allows the inspection and certification body to better
plan for delivery of the service in a timely manner.
Upon arrival in North America, there have been detections on vessels that obtained predeparture certification. If certification is issued many days prior to ship departure from anarea regulated for AGM, re-infestation can occur. Therefore, it is important that inspection
and certification be conducted as close to time of departure as feasible during flightperiods.
It is the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all requirements for entry to the U.S. andCanada, including freedom from AGM and other pest concerns. We strongly urge maritime
interests to take all possible precautions.
Please be advised that, although the U.S. and Canada are in full agreement on the requirement
for AGM pre-departure certification and vessels arriving free from all AGM life forms (eggmasses, pupae, adults), due to sovereign regulations and policies, there are differences in portof-entry processes between the two countries. Please contact local inspection authorities in
the port of entry if you have any questions regarding AGM import requirements or clearance
procedures.

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Special Procedures for Ships Arriving from Areas with Asian Gypsy
Moth (AGM)
PurposeThis guidance provides information for ships arriving in the continental UnitedStates after being in areas with a high risk for AGM (Lymantria dispar) andother Lymantrid species infestation. It identifies the policy, obligations ofshippers, and what to expect upon arrival at a United States port.

PolicyThe Plant Protection Act grants the authority to prevent entry of high-risk
vessels and to order infested ships to leave U.S. waters. [Title IV-Plant
Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 7701, Subtitle A, Section 411 (a)]. PPQ requires ships
to obtain a certification that they are free from AGM prior to departure fromthe AGM high-risk area during PPQ-designated high-risk periods and if a pest
is found, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) has the authority to order a ship to leave U.S. waters toresolve the situation.
Ships without certification will receive an AGM inspection at all U.S. ports oneach voyage when itinerary suggests an AGM risk, and may face significant
delays. Additionally, if AGM is detected on a ship, that ship may not beallowed entry into the United States, or may not be allowed to load or unload
cargo.

Your Obligations
You are responsible for the following:
Certificates

You (ship’s agent) must obtain a certificate documenting that the ship was
inspected and found free of AGM. The certificate is mandatory if the vessel
called on a port in a high-risk area listed in Table 1 during PPQ-designatedhigh-risk periods over the last 24 months. Table 2 lists approved certifiers in
the AGM high-risk area. You must allow CBP to conduct AGM inspections of
the vessel, if CBP determines it is necessary. You must comply with the CBP
officer’s instructions to mitigate risk of the introduction of AGM into theUnited States.
The female adult AGM lays eggs primarily during July through September in
Far East Russia and northern Japan; from June through August in central andsouthern Japan; and from June through mid-September in South Korea andnorthern China (including all ports north of 31° 15' N latitude; north of
Shanghai). Attracted by the lights on ships, the females may lay eggs on the
superstructure and elsewhere.

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Refer to Table 1 to determine times when a certificate is needed from AGMregulated countries.
Table 1 Regulated Areas and Specified Risk Periods

2Country

Port or Prefecture

AGM Flight Period

Russian Far East

Kozmino, Nakhodka, Ol’ga, Plastun, Pos’yet, Russkiy Island,
Slavyanka, Vanino, Vladivostok,
Vostochny, Zarubino

July 1 – September 30

People’s Republic ofChina

All ports in northern China, including all ports north of 31° 15'

June 1 – September 30

Republic of Korea

All ports

June 1 – September 30

Japan – Northern

Aomori, Fukushima, Hokkaido,
Iwate, Miyagi

July 1 – September 30

Japan – Western

Akita, Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama,
Yamagata

June 25 – September 15

Japan – Eastern

Aichi, Chiba, Fukui, Ibaraki,
Kanagawa, Mie, Shizuoka, Tokyo

June 20 – August 20

Japan – Southern

Ehime, Fukuoka, Hiroshima,
Hyogo, Kagawa, Kagoshima,
Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto,
Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita,
Okayama, Osaka, Saga, Shimane, Tokushima, Tottori,
Wakayama, Yamaguchi

June 1 – August 10

Japan – Far Southern

Okinawa

May 25 – June 30

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Table 2 Approved Certifiers in AGM High-risk Area
Region of Port

Certifiers

Far East Russian ports

Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation

South Korea

International Plant Quarantine Accreditation Board (IPAB)

China

China Certification and Inspection Group, LTD

Japan

All Nippon Checkers Corporation (ANCC)
Hokkaido Bouekikunjyo Co., LTD (HBKC)
Hokuriku Port Service Co., Ltd. (HPS)
Intertek Testing Services (Australia) Pty Limited (Pty Ltd)
Japan Cargo Tally Corporation (JCTC)
Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center Co., Ltd.
(JEVIC)Japan Grain Inspection Association (JGIA)
Kanto Fumigation Co., Ltd (KFCO)
Keiyochiku Plant Quarantine Association (KPQA)
Kobe Plant Quarantine Association (KOBEPQA)
Kyoritsu Sanitary Co., Ltd. (KRS)
Muroran & Tomakomai Plant Quarantine Association(MTPQA)
NAVREX & Corporation (NRX)
Nikkun Co., Ltd (NCL)
Nippon Kaiji Kentei Kyokai (NKKK)Okayama-Ken Plant Quarantine Association (OKYPQA)
Osaka Plant Quarantine Association (OPQA)
Osaka Timber Quarantine Association (OSKTQA)
Shin Nihon Kentei Kyokai (SNKK)Techno Kasei Co., Ltd. (TKL)
Tokai Plant Quarantine Association (TOKAIPQA)Tokyo Plant Quarantine Association (TPQA)
Yokohama Plant Protection Association (YPPA

Notifications

Vessels are required to provide a mandatory advanced notification of arrival.
Incoming vessels must inform port CBP officials of intent to arrive at least 96
hours in advance of entry into U.S. waters.

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What to Expect
CBP will determine which ships should be boarded on arrival for AGM
inspection; which vessels require normal, non-AGM boarding procedures; andwhich ships should be excluded entry.
Vessels can expect to receive the following enforcement monitoring actions:Non-certified vessels: will receive an AGM inspection at all U.S. ports oneach voyage when itinerary suggests AGM risk
Certified vessels: certificates along with additional research are to be used
for risk assessment to determine need for inspection
If AGM is suspected on a vessel, re-inspections at subsequent ports willoccur
If AGM is detected, and/or confirmed, vessels are subject to receive
removal orders and be removed from port
CertifiedA vessel requesting to arrive in the United States, and having visited an AGM
high-risk area in the previous or current season, during AGM high-risk
periods, and having been issued a predeparture AGM inspection certificate
from an approved entity in Russia, China, South Korea or Japan.
Non-certified

A vessel requesting arrival in the United States that did not receive apredeparture AGM inspection during the most recent voyage to an AGM highrisk area, and does not have an AGM inspection certificate having visited an
AGM high-risk area in the most recent voyage, whether this season or datingback to the previous season’s high-risk flight period.
Risk factors considered by CBP

Vessel called on high-risk ports during designated AGM high-risk periods
during the current or previous year. APHIS uses a 24-month history tohelp assess likelihood of egg viability.
Reports or observations that indicate AGM may be present
Not receiving a predeparture AGM inspection during the most recent
voyage to a high-risk area
Not having an inspection certificate after being in a high-risk area on themost recent voyage.
Ships entering Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will not
be excluded, but may be inspected for AGM if the ship’s schedule includes
subsequent continental U.S. ports of call.

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AGM Inspection
If CBP determines that an AGM Inspection is needed, the officer will request
to board the vessel. The officer will search for egg masses, larvae, pupae, or
adult moths. This is a visual inspection that includes the whole ship. Officers
will look:
In sheltered locations
In crevices or cavities
Under tarps
Behind walls and doors
Around light fixtures
Underneath the hold rims
And anywhere else that AGM might lay eggs
See Figure 1 for a photograph of AGM egg masses aboard a ship. The egg
masses appear as brown fuzz on the blue nylon rope. Figure 2 illustrates AGM
eggs found between two bays on a support beam near a cargo hold opening.

Figure 1 AGM Egg Masses on Blue Nylon Rope

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Figure 2 AGM Eggs Found Between Two Bays on a Support Beam Near a Cargo
Hold Opening

If the officer identifies eggs, larvae, pupae, or adult moths the suspects will becollected and the area treated. The suspect AGM will be sent for identification.
The officer will determine the appropriate action based on the identificationand the level of infestation.
If suspect AGM are found, CBP will notify the Captain that a serious plant pest
has been detected and the vessel may be re-boarded if AGM is confirmed. If
the identifier confirms the presence of AGM, the vessel may be instructed toleave U.S. waters for decontamination prior to re-entering or beginning
operations at any U.S. port. The officer will determine if the ship must leave
U.S. waters to be decontaminated, based on the level of infestation and theability to mitigate the risk of introduction of AGM at the port.
Upon conclusion to remove a vessel from U.S. territorial waters, PPQ Form
523, Emergency Action Notification will be issued. Any additional CBP forms
will be issued as required by CBP policies and procedures. The Captain will be
asked to prepare for and execute an immediate departure. The notification will
instruct the ship’s agent to immediately call out necessary tugs, linesmen, andpilots for the ship’s departure. The only actions allowed are those that make theship seaworthy, such as bunkering.
Ships may request reentry to a U.S. port of entry when they give CBPassurances that all egg masses are removed or disposed of properly.

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During re-inspection, any subsequent suspect AGM found will result in
additional pest prevention action. These actions will result in costly delays andfurther detection of potential AGM presence may lead to denying entry into theUnited States.
Returning to Port for Re-inspection

CBP will instruct the vessel on a time and place where re-inspection will occur.
This may be to a designated remote location or instream. Further detection of
viable suspect AGM life stages will require additional action resulting incontinued costly delays and intensive pest control actions.
Upon re-inspection, if additional viable suspect AGM life stages are detected,
the vessel will be required to employ a pest control company capable ofhandling large commercial assignments. The commercial company shall fully
inspect and certify freedom from all AGM life forms. Under normal
circumstances this action should take place outside of U.S. territorial waters. If
safeguarding, weather and/or safety must be considered, remedial measures
must be deployed to minimize potential pest risks.

Background
AGM, Lymantria dispar, and other Lymantrid species from high-risk areas
including Far East Russian, Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese ports where
AGM populations are at high densities may infest ships and be transported to
the United States. Inspection and exclusion of infested ships will prevent the
spread of AGM.
The AGM displays significant behavioral differences compared to theEuropean gypsy moth (EGM). The female AGM is an active flier that is
attracted to lights, and capable of flying up to 25 miles. The AGM larvae havea broader host range and feed on larch and other conifers as well as on alderand willow. Oaks and other hardwood species are also acceptable hosts.
Female adults die after laying eggs.

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