579 - 5/08 - Asian Gypsy Moth - USA

Due to the serious pest risk of AGM, ships arriving in to the US/Canada, from Japan and Far East Russia, without the required AGM certificates will be subject to increased inspection and possible delays in berthing and cargo operations.

Commercial ships that transit the regulated, conditional ports during high-risk periods will be required to have certification of freedom from Asian gypsy moth if they intend to visit US and Canada ports before the start of the next high-risk season next year.

Shipping interests destined to the US and Canada must contact the below Japanese inspection entities directly in order to facilitate the scheduling of certification. This is consistent with the program in Far East Russia, except that the system in Japan is operated by selected private companies, not government entities.