Australia kicks back Tesla and Kia shipments due to biosecurity risk

Hyundai‘s sub-brand Kia and electric vehicle company Tesla have been refused to unload their latest cargo shipments in Australia due to biosecurity risk.

By late December, a cargo ship toward Australia with Tesla Model Ys was denied entry to Australia, and the ship was ordered to return to its last origin – China.

A few days ago, a Kia shipment was also denied from entering Australia for the same reason. Information revealed by CarExpert shows that the cargo might include a load of Kia Sportage.

Why?

A ship named ‘Glovis Caravel carrying a Tesla shipment reached Australia and refused to enter into the country. It must “return to Shanghai for further processing priod to re-entering an Australian port”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said that the vehicle carrier could pose biosecurity risks brought by “live insects detected on the vessel and its cargo”.

It is said that an inspection of the ship detected Yellow Spotted Stink Bugs, which “pose a significant threat to Australia’s plant health and environment because of the damage it can do to crops, fruit, and ornamental trees”.

Tesla:

Tesla Australia is informing Tesla Model Y customers and explaining the delay in deliveries, promising them to get the delivery as soon as possible.

The EV maker also said to reassign the order to a vehicle from the next batch of production.

Kia:

A Kia spokesperson revealed that a total of 1,000 vehicles are reportedly denied entry in Australia and the carmaker is cooperating with relevant authorities to resolve the issue.

Conclusion:

Both of these shipments are required to return to their origin and get treatment (proper cleanup) to re-enter Australia after another inspection. But this is not the first time Glovis Caravel reported such an issue, it was previously refused to enter New Zealand.

(Via – Drive)