Argentina finalizing plans to require ships to decontaminate their holds to keep the invasive Gypsy Moth out.
Any ships sailing from ports in eastern Russia, northeastern China, South Korea and Japan during the species' flight season from June to late September could be turned away without a certificate proving they are free of the insect.
The certificates are required before ships begin operations at Argentinian ports and if a certificate had not been issued, the vessel could be subject to penalties.
The regulations are similar to rules in the United States, New Zeland, Canada, Australia and Chile, according to the West of England P&I Club.
The moths are indigenous to the Far East and are highly destructive to trees.
According to a circular from Argentina-based Vega & Co, shipowners and charterers are encouraged to hire surveyors ahead of time, to take photos during the hold cleaning process and to ensure that the holds are dry, clean and odourless.
If there is moisture, rust, fresh paint or live insects, the firm said, the ship could be denied entry.
