Compliance with FSMC Regulations – 2026 Update

The Club wishes to draw Members’ attention to important regulatory considerations as the 2026 Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC) season approaches. Ships scheduled to call at ports in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, and the United States must ensure full compliance with the respective FSMC regulations issued by these countries.

Members should note that, despite similar specified risk periods, each country may have its own specific requirements detailing how the risk period is imposed and/or which countries in the specified risk period will be the target for inspection.

See example of Joint Memo by Canada (CFIA_ACIA) and USDA

The table below sets out the regulated areas and specified risk periods, which refer to the time period during which there is a risk of FSMC flight and egg mass deposition.

Risk Areas and Requirements

As in previous years, ships that have called at ports within FSMC regulated areas during the designated risk period, either in the current or the preceding year, will be categorised as high risk. Such vessels are generally required to obtain an FSMC free certificate from the final port visited within the high risk region prior to sailing to one of the regulating countries.

Vessels should ensure that they arrive free of FSMC. In addition to certification, crews are strongly advised to carry out thorough self-inspections and to remove and properly dispose of any egg masses or other life stages prior to arrival.

While the countries issuing FSMC regulations may have similar specified risk periods, these regulations are not yet fully harmonised. Each country may have its own particular requirements concerning the implementation of the risk period or may target different countries for inspection within these periods. It is essential for Members to remain up to date with the detailed requirements of each country to ensure ongoing compliance.

When preparing to call a port located within an FSMC risk area, Members are strongly advised to consult with their local agents and Club correspondents. This will help ensure that all necessary requirements for the forthcoming voyage are met prior to departure from the FSMC risk area. Special consideration should also be given to the relevant risk periods during the planning process.

Members should also ensure that accurate port of call information, typically covering the previous two years, is maintained and submitted in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements.