Asian Gypsy Moth

(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

SHIPS
Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)
Contents Flight Season
Female moths generally lay their eggs between May and
Asian Gypsy Moth – An Unwelcome Traveler����������������� 02 September depending on region, during the so-called
Flight Season��������������������������������������������������������������������� 02 ‘flight season’.
USA and Canada���������������������������������������������������������������� 02
The females can fly up to 40 km, are attracted by bright
Australia���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 04
lights (such as those on ships) and lay a considerable
New Zealand���������������������������������������������������������������������� 04 number of eggs in a mound or ’egg mass’ in any sheltered
Chile����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 05 area. These mounds are very durable and can survive all
Argentina��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 05 kinds of adverse weather conditions.
Role of the Charterer�������������������������������������������������������� 06
When the eggs hatch, the larvae find a vertical surface and
Appendix – USDA Advice�������������������������������������������������� 07
climb quickly to a high point, spin a thread and get carried
away on the breeze. When they land on a plant or tree,
they begin to feed on its leaves.

USA and Canada

The USA and Canada have harmonised procedures to
guard against the introduction of the these moths. Due to
sovereign regulations and policies, there are differences
in FSMC procedures between the two countries.

Due to the term ‘gypsy’ potentially being deemed

derogatory, the USA and Canada will now refer to the
group of moths making up the FSMC family by flighted
spongy moth complex (FSMC).

United States Department of Agriculture

Photograph courtesy of Ferenc Lakatos, University of West Hungary
Vessels that have called in a high-risk area during the high-
Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth risk period (see table 1 below), in the previous 24 months
Complex) – An Unwelcome Traveler are required to have a freedom of FSMC certificate.
Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) is
The certificate must be obtained at the last port the
the collective name given to a group of insects including
vessel visited within the high-risk area and be issued by an
the Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica,
approved certifier. The approved certifiers are the Federal
Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba and Lymantria
Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of
albescens varieties. These insects are found predominantly
the Russian Federation, international Plant Quarantine
in eastern Russia, northern China and some parts of
Accreditation Board in the Republic of Korea, the China
northern Japan. During the summer, there is a strong
Certification and Inspection Co Ltd or from a limited list
possibility they will lay eggs on visiting ships which will
of approved inspection companies in Japan.
then inadvertently carry them to other parts of the world.
Vessels must send the agent a port of call list for the
The problem is that in their larval stage, when they look like
previous 24 months and the freedom of FSMC certificate
caterpillars, the moths are big eaters of all types of plant
at least 96 hours prior to arrival. The agent is to ensure
leaves. The USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and
that this information is provided to the relevant US officials.
Argentina are thus particularly concerned at the damage
Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) might The US Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and
cause to their major forestry and fruit industries. Border Protection (CBP) will then determine which ships
should be inspected for FSMC.
This briefing provides an update of the various restrictions
in force in these countries.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

2 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
Ships without certification will receive an FSMC inspection 3. Vessels must provide two-year port of call data, at least
at all U.S ports on each voyage when the itinerary suggests 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port, to the
an FSMC risk. vessel’s Canadian or U.S. agent. The agent is to ensure that
this information is provided to U.S. or Canadian officials.
Vessels that have freedom of FSMC certification may still be
inspected if deemed necessary following a risk assessment. A copy of the USDA ‘Gypsy Moth Inspectional Pocket Guide’
can be downloaded from the following link:
Inspections
USDA Gypsy Moth Inspection Pocket Guide
The inspectors are looking for:
• egg masses which are light brown, furry mounds of US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
approximately 40 mm by 15 mm in the holds, Detailed guidance is provided on the US Department of
on cargo or on the superstructure Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection
• signs of spot–cleaning or painting in places Service (APHIS) website pages dedicated to FSMC.
where egg masses might be found USDA APHIS website
• hatching larvae.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
The relevant authorities have the power to order the The CFIA require to be notified 96 hours in advance of
ship to leave port and/or move outside territorial waters. arriving in Canadian waters for vessels that have visited
Alternatively, the authorities may arrange for treatment ports (see table 1) in the regulated area during the periods
of any egg masses by specified spray methods. listed in the current year or in the year immediately
Action by the Vessel preceding the current year.

In recent years, very high numbers of moths were observed The notification should include:
in many regulated ports. Due to these population outbreaks, • A summary of the ports called upon by the vessel
a high number of vessels arrived in North American ports for the past two years.
with FSMC egg masses. To prevent a similarly high number • A copy of a Phytosanitary Certificate or other
of vessels with egg masses arriving in 2024, extra vigilance approved certificate(s).
in conducting self-inspection— in addition to obtaining
FSMC certification— is requested. Vessels that enter a Canadian port outside the risk
period, which have visited ports in regulated areas, will
For vessels that have called at the areas regulated for FSMC be permitted to enter without interruption. These vessels
during the specified risk periods, as outlined in the table in are subject to inspection at any time during their stay
the appendix, the following measures are required: in Canada.
1. Vessels should be inspected and certificated free of FSMC
A Phytosanitary Certificate or other approved certificate(s)
by a recognized certification body. A copy of the certificate,
is not required for entry into Canada during this period.
stating that the vessel is free of FSMC life stages, should
be forwarded to the vessel’s U.S or Canadian agents. A Vessels seeking entry to Canada without a valid FSMC
certificate is valid until the ship calls on another port in certificate will be held at offshore anchorages and
a regulated area during the specific risk period. When inspected by CFIA officials during the high-risk period.
vessels arrive without FSMC certification, or when FSMC is
Such vessels will also be subject to financial penalties
detected, significant delays in cargo loading or discharging
for failing to comply with CFIA regulations.
activities as well as in routine clearance can occur.
A summary of CFIA requirements can be found at the
2. Vessels must arrive in North American ports free from
following website: CFIA website
FSMC. To avoid facing re-routing, being ordered out of
port for cleaning and other potential impacts associated
with mitigating the risk of entry of FSMC 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 FSMC prior to entering U.S. and Canadian ports.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

3 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
From 1 February 2018, an arriving vessel will be considered a
Australia
high risk for flighted spongy moth complex (FSMC) if in the
Vessels which have called at Russian Far East ports during
previous 12 months it has visited any of the risk areas during
the specified period within the past 24 months are no longer
the specified risk periods in the below table:
required to provide a Certificate of Freedom from Gypsy
Moth prior to arrival in Australia. Country Risk Area Specified
Risk Period
The Australian Department of Agriculture will make a risk-
based assessment of each vessel from the information Russian Far South of 60 o North and June 15 to
East west of 147o longitude October 15
provided in the pre-arrival free pratique form. They may
(excluding those ports on
request that the vessel completes an FSMC questionnaire
the Kamchatka Peninsula)
if the vessel is deemed to pose a particularly high
biosecurity risk. China North of latitude of 31 o 15’ June 1 to
N September
Should a suitable phytosanitary certificate have been issued 30
by an agricultural authority in the United States, Canada,
Republic of In all areas June 1 to
Russia, New Zealand or Australia since the last visit to a Korea September
Russian port then this will be taken into account as a part 30
of the risk assessment.
Japan In prefectures of June 15 to
The result of the risk assessment will then determine – Northern Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, October 15
whether or not an inspection of the vessel will be Miyagi, Fukushima,
carried out. Akita, Yamagata

In order to assist with the risk assessment, Members are Japan In prefectures of Niigata, June 1 to
– Central Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, September
recommended to collate as much information as possible
Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, 30
on the movements of the vessel.
Kanagawa, Shizuoka,
Actions taken by the crew to inspect the vessel and Aichi, Mie
photographs of any efforts taken to eradicate any moth Japan In prefectures of May 15 to
eggs found should be provided as this will assist Australian - Southern Wakayama, Osaka, Kyoto, August 31
authorities to conduct the risk assessment. Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane,
Okayama, Hiroshima,
Further information on vessel inspections can be found at
Yamaguchi, Kagawa,
the following website: Department of Agriculture
Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi,
Fukuoka, Oita, Saga,
New Zealand
Nagasaki, Miyazaki,
In New Zealand, vessels that have visited a risk area during Kumamoto, Kagoshima
the risk period in the pervious 12 months are not permitted
Japan - Far In prefecture of Okinawa May 25 to
to enter New Zealand Territory unless the vessel has a valid
Southern June 30
Certificate of Freedom from FSMC.

The valid certificate must be issued by the New Zealand

Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) recognised inspection
body. Recognised inspection bodies are listed on the MPI
website: New Zealand MPI

If a vessel does not have a valid certificate, the New Zealand

MPI should be contacted to arrange for an inspection.

The Ministry will decide the time and place convenient for
inspection – usually at least 8 hours before sunset and at
least 4 nautical miles offshore. The cost of inspection will
be recovered from the ship or agent.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

4 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
Full details of the requirements in relation to FSMC
Chile
can be obtained from:
Any vessels that have visited a risk area during the risk
AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK SERVICE / SAG
period as the below table, during the previous 24 months,
Headquarters. 140 Presidente Bulnes Ave., 8th floor. Santiago.
must be issued with an official phytosanitary certificate.
Tel: 345 1101 / Fax: 345 1102
The certificate must state “The (vessel name) was inspected Email: [email protected] Website: www.sag.cl
and is considered to be free from FSMC”. A copy of the
logbook or a list of the ports called must be provided at Argentina
least 24 hours prior to arrival at a Chilean port. All vessels which have departed or stayed in areas with
FSMC or Japanese Gypsy Moth (JGM) within the last 24
Areas with presence of FSMC Female Flying Season months are required to notify the Argentinian National
Eastern Russia June 15 to October 15 Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) 72 hours prior
South Korea June 1 to September 30 to arrival to any Argentinean port. This is regardless of
whether the call(s) occurred during the FSMC female flight
North Korea June 1 to September 30
periods identified in the table below. All vessels will then be
o
China (north of 31 15’ N) June 1 to September 30 subject to a risk assessment by SENASA, which can result in
North Japan (Hokkaido, June 15 to October 15 an inspection, and if any presence of the pest is detected,
Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, require cleaning and phytosanitary treatment.
Fukushima, Akita, Yamagata)
Arriving vessels that have called at an identified port or
Central Japan (Niigata, June 1 to September 30 zone during the flight period are also required to arrive
Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui,
with a ‘Certificate of Vessel Free of FSMC’, issued by the
Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo,
phytosanitary authority of the last port of departure or stay.
Kanagawa, Shizuoka,
Aichi, Mie)
Port / Zone Port FSMC Flight
Southern Japan (Ehime, May 15 to August 31 Period
Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hyogo,
Russia Far Petropavlovsk- June 15 to
Jagawa, Kagoshima, Kochi,
East Kamchatskiy, Vanino, October 15
Kumamoto, Kyoto, Myazaki,
Nevelsk, Kholmsk,
Nagasaki, Oita, Okayama,
Korsakov, Kozmino,
Osaka, Saga, Shimane,
Slavyanka, Posyet,
Tottori, Tokushima,
Zarubino, Vostochny,
Wakayama, Yamaguchi
Nakhodka, Vladivostok
Prefectures)
China All ports June 1 to
Far South of Japan May 25 to June 30
September 30
(Okinawa Prefectures)
Korea Busan, Jinhae, June 1 to
Masan, Tongyeong, September 30
This period can be reduced if suitable documents are Jangseongpo, Okpo,
available confirming the vessel has been sailing for less Gohyeon, Incheon,
than 24 months or that the vessel owner has changed. Pyeongtaek-Dangjin,
Daesan, Taean,
Vessels arriving without suitable certification will be
Donghae-Mukho,
subjected to an inspection and phytosanitary treatment
Okgye, Hosan, Ulsan,
prior to being granted clearance to enter the port.
Pohang, Gwangyang,
Hadong, Samcheonpo,
Yeosu, Gunsan, Mokpo,
Boryeong
Northern Aomori, Fukushima, June 15 to
Japan Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi October 15

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

5 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
Western Akita, Ishikawa, Niigata, June 1 to The clause applies to all life stages of the moth and it places
Japan Toyama, Yamagata September 30 a strict obligation on the owners to deliver the vessel free
of FSMC with a reciprocal obligation on the charterers
Eastern Aichi, Chiba, Fukui, June 1 to
at redelivery.
Japan Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Mie, September 30
Shizuoka, Tokyo Further details, including the text of the clause with
Southern Ehime, Fukuoka, May 15 to explanatory notes can be found at: BIMCO Flighted
Japan Hiroshima, Hyogo, August 31 Spongy Moth Complex Clause for Time Charter
Kagawa, Kagoshima, Parties 2023
Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto,
Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Disclaimer
The purpose of this publication is to provide a source of information
Oita, Okayama, Osaka,
which is additional to that available to the maritime industry from
Saga, Shimane, regulatory, advisory, and consultative organisations. Whilst care is taken
Tokushima, Tottori, to ensure the accuracy of any information made available no warranty
of accuracy is given and users of that information are to be responsible
Wakayama, Yamaguchi
for satisfying themselves that the information is relevant and suitable
Japan Far Okinawa 25 May to 30 for the purposes to which it is applied. In no circumstances whatsoever
shall North be liable to any person whatsoever for any loss or damage
South June whensoever or howsoever arising out of or in connection with the
supply (including negligent supply) or use of information.

Unless the contrary is indicated, all articles are written with reference
Failure to comply with SENSA’s requirements may result in to English Law. However it should be noted that the content of this
the vessel being fined and an inability to clean and treat the publication does not constitute legal advice and should not be construed
as such. Members should contact NorthStandard for specific
vessel will result in the vessel being banned from entering
advice on particular matters.
Argentinean ports.
Published April 2024.
Find out more by visiting www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa/
lymantria-buques

Role of the Charterer

The expenses arising from the presence of the FSMC
on board a vessel will in the first instance normally be
the responsibility of the owners or operator of that ship.
However, it is possible to argue that a charterer should also
have responsibility for some or all of the expenses involved,
depending on the circumstances of the incident.

The position may not always be clear and it is therefore

advisable to include a suitable clause in the charter party.
This will introduce a degree of certainty into the contractual
relationship and the possibility of disputes can be reduced if
not avoided altogether.

BIMCO have introduced a clause for time charter parties,

which aims to provide a simple, practical and commercial
solution focusing on the basic obligations and responsibilities
of owners and charterers when dealing with the FSMC.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

6 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
APPENDIX: CFIA /USDA ADVICE (FEBRUARY 2024)
Due to population outbreaks, North American ports Actions
periodically experience a high number of vessels arriving For vessels that have called on areas regulated for FSMC
with FSMC egg masses. Data from previous years indicate during the specified risk periods, as outlined in Table 1, the
that populations could potentially reach outbreak levels in following measures are required:
2024. In addition to obtaining FSMC certification, extra
vigilance in conducting self-inspection is requested to 1. Vessels should be inspected and certificated free of
prevent a high number of vessels with egg masses FSMC by a recognized certification body. A copy of the
arriving in 2024. certificate, stating that the vessel is free of FSMC life stages,
should be forwarded to the vessel’s U.S or Canadian agents.
FSMC is a serious pest that can be carried on ships and A certificate is valid until the ship calls on another port in a
cargo. FSMC populations are prevalent in some seaport regulated area during the specific risk period.
areas in Far East Russia, Japan, Korea, and Northern China.
If introduced to North America, FSMC would have significant 2. Vessels must arrive in North American ports free from
negative impacts on our forestry and agriculture, the natural FSMC. To avoid facing rerouting, being ordered out of port
environment, the commerce that relies on those plant for cleaning and other potential impacts associated with
resources, and market access mitigating the risk of entry of FSMC to North America, crews
should perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for,
Vessels must arrive in North American ports free remove (scrape off) and properly dispose of or destroy all
of FSMC and should have obtained pre-departure egg masses and other life stages of FSMC prior to entering
certification. It is vital that the maritime industry and U.S. and Canadian ports.
authorities in the United States (U.S.) and Canada
collaborate on measures to minimize the risk of FSMC 3. Vessels must provide two-year port of call data, at
incursion. FSMC risk mitigation and exclusion efforts are a least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port,
joint effort and a high priority. Both countries are committed to the vessel’s Canadian or U.S. agent. The agent is to
to working with industry partners on measures to reduce ensure that this information is provided to U.S. or Canadian
FSMC risk at origin. The shipping industry’s role in promoting officials.
and meeting FSMC requirements has been vital to
preventing the introduction of FSMC to North America
and maintaining shipping schedules. When vessels arrive
without FSMC certification, or when FSMC is detected,
significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities
as well as in routine clearance can occur, resulting in loss
of revenue to the shipping line and associated parties.

The common name “Asian gypsy moth” has been changed

as the term “gypsy” has been deemed derogatory. This
group of moths are now referred to as the flighted spongy
moth complex (FSMC). However, updates to websites,
policies, forms, certificates, educational material etc.,
to reflect the new common name, are anticipated to
take some time and may vary from country to country.
Therefore, reference to AGM and Asian gypsy moth
may continue to be seen during this time of transition
and certificates using these names will continue to
be considered valid if they have been issued by a
recognized certification body.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

7 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Asian Gypsy Moth
(Flighted Spongy Moth Complex) (cont.)
Table 1. Regulated Areas and Specified Risk Periods

Country Port or Prefecture Specified Risk Period* 2024

Russian Far East Nakhodka, Ol’ga, Plastun, Pos’yet, Russkiy Island, Slavyanka, June 15 to October 15
Vanino, Vladivostok, Vostochny, Zarubino, Kozmino
People’s Republic All ports in northern China, including all ports on or
June 1 to September 30
of China north of 31° 15´
Republic of Korea All ports June 1 to September 30

Japan – Northern Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata June 15 to October 15
Japan – Central Aichi, Chiba, Fukui, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Kanagawa, Mie, Niigata, June 1 to September 30
Shizuoka, Tokyo, Toyama
Japan – Southern Ehime, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, May 15 to August 31
Kumamoto, Kyoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Okayama, Osaka,
Saga, Shimane, Tokushima, Tottori, Wakayama, Yamaguchi
Japan – Far Okinawa May 25 to June 30
Southern

*Specified risk period is the time period when there is a risk of FSMC flight and egg mass deposition

We also remind vessel operators to ensure that the Although we try to align the requirements for FSMC pre-
vessels are in good repair and decks are clear of debris departure certification and vessels arriving free from all
and unnecessary obstacles in order to allow for thorough FSMC life forms (egg masses, pupae, adults) between the
inspection both in FSMC regulated areas and upon arrival U.S. and Canada, there are differences in port-of-entry
in North America. While in regulated ports during moth processes between the two countries due to sovereign
flight periods and where port operations and safety allow, regulations and policies. Please contact local inspection
reducing lighting and keeping exterior doors and curtains authorities in the port-of-entry if you have any questions
closed may reduce the number of moths being attracted regarding FSMC import requirements or clearance
to the vessel. Arranging for inspection and certification procedures.
services as far in advance as possible and providing
It is the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all
twoyear port of call history at the time of that request
requirements for entry to the U.S. and Canada, including
allows the inspection and certification body to better
freedom from FSMC and other pest concerns. We strongly
plan for delivery of the service in a timely manner.
urge maritime interests to take all possible precautions. For
Upon arrival in North America there have been FSMC further information on the FSMC program, please visit the
detections on vessels that obtained pre-departure Canadian Food Inspection Agency and/or Animal and Plant
certification. During the flight period inspection should be Health Inspection Service’s websites.
conducted and certification issued as close to departure
as possible — ideally during daylight hours and on the
same day as departure. Where vessel departure is delayed
post certification, there is the possibility that moths
re-infest the vessel and deposit egg masses.

For more information, visit north-standard.com MEMBER OF

Copyright © NorthStandard Limited

8 Ships / Asian Gypsy Moth (Flighted Spongy Moth Complex)

Keep up to date by visiting
north-standard.com

@NSMarineIns @NorthStandardGroup NorthStandard

NorthStandard group incorporates entities, branches and offices worldwide and includes the insurance entities detailed below. For
further details on our group please visit north-standard.com. To identify your insurer within NorthStandard please refer to your policy
documents or please contact us.
NorthStandard Limited (No. 505456) is registered in England and also trades as Sunderland Marine. Registered Office: 100 The
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DU, UK. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
NorthStandard EU DAC is registered in Ireland (No. 628183) and also trades as Sunderland Marine. Registered Office: Fitzwilliam Hall,
Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin, D02 T292, Ireland. Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (C182370).
The Standard Club Asia Ltd is registered in Singapore with limited liability (No. 199703224R). Registered Office: 3 Anson Rd, #10-02
Springleaf Tower, Singapore 079909. Authorised and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The Standard Club Asia Ltd
(Hong Kong Branch), registered in Hong Kong (No. F0024636), authorised and regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority.
The Standard Club Ireland DAC is registered in Ireland (No. 631911). Registered Office: Fitzwilliam Hall, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.
Authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (C182196).
The Standard Club UK Ltd is registered in England (No. 00017864). Registered Office: The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London,
EC3R 7AG. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential
Regulation Authority.