Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season 2024/2025
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season is fast approaching, and Australia continues to intensify efforts to prevent this pest from penetrating the Australian agricultural industry. It is important that our clients are made aware of the updated requirements and can begin preparing for the 2024/2025 season.
Understanding the impact of BMSB.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug originated in Asia and has since spread through North America and Europe. As the weather cools through these parts of the world, this pest seeks warmer weather by hitchhiking on imported goods, including machinery, timber and textile goods.
These bugs feed on and can severely damage Australia's vegetable and fruit crops, with over 300 agricultural and ornamental species at risk. If these pests make their way into Australia, it would be extremely difficult and expensive to manage and have long-term ramifications for Australia’s agricultural sector.
Given the severity of the bug’s potential impact, BMSB now sits in Australia's top 40 priority pest and must be kept out of Australia.
When do BMSB measures come into effect?
September 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. (Inclusive).
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. BMSB measures apply to goods shipped from Target Risk Countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, USA, and Japan.
An exhaustive list can be found via the below link:
Are my goods impacted?
Goods shipped from Target risk countries and are classified as Target High Risk will require mandatory treatment.
Target high-risk goods include wood & articles of wood, carpets or textiles, Glass/Ceramics, tools & machinery.
An exhaustive list can be found via the below link:
Goods shipped from Target risk countries and are classified as Target Risk will be subject to random inspection.
Target risk goods include Plastics & Rubber, Paper & Articles of paper, and Printed books.
An exhaustive list can be found via the below link:
*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. *
What is required for Target High Risk & Target Risk goods?
Goods that fall under these categories must undergo treatment prior to release into Australia. There are three approved treatment options for BMSB treatment.
The approved treatments are:
Heat Treatment
Methyl Bromide Fumigation
Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation
Treatments can be done onshore in Australia or offshore before sailing at the origin. Treatment must meet the minimum standards set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and all treatment providers must be approved through the “Treatment Providers Scheme.”
RAITT will assist all clients in navigating the treatment requirements for affected goods.
For more information on the treatments for BMSB, please see the link below.
Understanding how BMBS import requirements can impact your freight and supply chain schedules and costs is essential.
Raitt is here to support our clients throughout the BMSB season, and we will always provide detailed cost estimates and timelines for freight bookings. Our goal is to ensure this season goes as smoothly as possible, and we’re available to answer any questions you might have about the information provided.
