Stink Bug Season 2023 – 2024 New measures

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a pest that can wipe out entire crops of fruits and vegetables and has the potential to severely impact our agricultural industries.  These pests can enter vehicles, homes and factories in large numbers during autumn months, looking for places to shelter over winter.  Their secretions can be a skin allergen and their smell can cause allergic reactions in some people.

We urge our importers to be vigilant with import regulations and the new BMSB seasonal measures to be applied by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). 

It is important to note that it is the shipper/consignee’s responsibility to ensure their cargo meets the BMSB requirements and that all goods presented for shipping are compliant.

Australia 2023 – 2024 BMSB Season Measures

The BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September 2023 and 30 April 2024 (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period. 

Note: The shipped on board date, as indicated on the Ocean Bill of Lading, is the date used to determine when goods have been shipped. “Gate in” dates and times will not be accepted to determine when goods are shipped.

Target Risk Countries

Please note the list of countries that have been categorised as target risk countries.

In addition, the following countries have been identified as emerging risk countries for the BMSB risk season and may be selected for a random onshore inspection between selected dates.

• China – random inspections will apply to goods shipped between 1 September to 31 December (inclusive)
• United Kingdom – random inspections will apply to goods shipped between 1 December to 30 April (inclusive)

Targeted Goods

Please note the list of goods that have been categorised as targeted goods.

• If your goods are classed as target high risk, they will require mandatory treatment.
• If your goods are classed as target risk, they will be subject to random inspection.
• If your goods are not found in either category, they are not subject to BMSB measures, however, will be subject to the measures if packed with target high risk or risk goods.
• Goods shipped in iso-tanks and as bulk-in-holds of cargo vessels are not subject to the measures.

Treatment of target high risk goods

• Target high risk goods treated in target risk countries must be treated by a treatment provider listed as ‘approved’ on the List of treatment providers.
• Containerised goods will be directed for onshore treatment.

Break bulk goods

• Breakbulk includes those goods shipped on flat rack, open top and modified containers (such as those with in-built power generators, filtration, portable accommodation). 
• All target high risk goods shipped as breakbulk must be treated offshore only prior to arrival into Australia.
• Untreated breakbulk will be directed for export.

Containerised Goods (FCL, FCX)

• Standard FCL & LCL (including refrigerated and hard top) with target high risk goods can be treated offshore or onshore at the container level
• Onshore treatment is to occur at the container level.  Deconsolidation or removal of goods will not be permitted prior to treatment.

Containerised Goods (LCL, FAK)

• LCL and FAK (Freight of all Kinds) must be treated at the container level for BMSB risk prior to deconsolidation.
• Once the BMSB risk has been managed, the consignments within these containers will be processed at the Full Import Declaration (FID) level for all other biosecurity intervention (if applicable).

Packing Requirements

• There are specific packing requirements that allow treatments to work effectively. 
• Containers should be packed in a manner that will enable onshore treatment at the container level to reach all internal and external surfaces. 
• Plastic wrapping must be clearly perforated.
• Consignments that are not packed to the required standard will be directed to a depot for a complete unpack and fumigation, which may require the packaging to be perforated.
• More information on packing requirements can be found on this factsheet.

Treatment Types

• Heat, Methyl Bromide and Sulfuryl Fluoride treatment only.

Non-compliance

Non-compliance with the packing or treatment regulations is likely to cause severe delays and potentially inaccurate treatment, resulting in the exportation of your shipment once arriving in Australia or transhipment for fumigation.  All costs will be with the customer.

Resources

If you are concerned about whether the goods you are importing will be affected by the Stink Bug measures, please consult the following for more detailed information:

• Visit the DAFF BMSB website
• Factsheet:  BMSB Seasonal Measures

The expert team at Clarke Global Logistics are always up to date with these changing requirements.  We are available to discuss your specific risks and the next steps to ensure seamless importing.  Call today on +61 3 9854 3000 or email enquiry@clarkeglobal.com.au

Photo by Macro Photography