New Rules on Asian Gypsy Moth in Argentina

The Argentinian National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) Resolution 764/2020 will enter into force on 12 April 2021 following its initial deferment in January. It applies to all ocean-going vessels which have departed from or stayed in areas with presence of Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), including the Japanese Gypsy Moth (Lymantria Dispar Japonica), within the last 24 months prior to its arrival an Argentinean port.

All ocean-going vessels which departed or stayed in areas with AGM or JGM shall notify the SENASA 72 hours prior to arrival to any Argentinean port, regardless of whether the call(s) occurred during the AGM female flight periods identified in the table below (provided by SENASA). All vessels will then be subject to a risk assessment by SENASA, which can result in an inspection, and if any presence of the pest is detected, require cleaning and phytosanitary treatment.

Arriving vessels that have called at an identified port or zone during the flight period are also required to arrive with a ‘Certificate of Vessel Free of AGM’, issued by the phytosanitary authority of the last port of departure or stay in accordance with the new regulation.

Club correspondents Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L. have advised that Infringements to the regulation may result in fines amounting up to AR$ 10,000,000 (about US$ 133,333) and that an inability to clean and treat the vessel will result on the vessel being banned from entering Argentinean ports.

Read the Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L. circular on the new regulation (which was originally scheduled to enter force on 12 January 2021) here.