Australian BMSB Season 2023 - What you need to know!

BMSB season refers to the period during which the population of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is most active and prevalent. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive insect species that can cause significant damage to a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) have recently released the 2023-24 Seasonal Measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). This season's measures will apply to target risk goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessel 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.

So what’s new for this season? • Addition of Uzbekistan to the Target Risk Country List • New Master Consolidator (MC) Declaration Portal • Updated Master Consolidator User Guide for new MC Declaration Portal • Creation of BMSB FAQ webpage

And ... what goods are subject to BMSB? • Target High-Risk Goods from Target Risk Countries will require mandatory treatment • Target Risk Goods will be subject to random onshore inspections • If neither of these categories, 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.

Target Risk Countries and Target Risk Goods DAFF - Target Risk Countries DAFF - Target Risk Goods FCL and FCX • Containerised cargo arriving in sealed six hard-sided containers with target high-risk goods can be treated offshore, or onshore at the container level. • Onshore treatment of goods is to occur at the container level. Deconsolidation or removal of goods from the container will not be permitted prior to treatment. • AEPCOMM arrangements for BMSB is permitted for containerised goods shipped as FCL/FCX LCL and FAK • During the BMSB season, Less than Container Load (LCL) consignments and Freight of All Kinds (FAK) containers with target high-risk goods will be managed at the container level. Deconsolidation or removal of goods will not be permitted before treatment. • Seasonal measures apply to LCL/FAK containers that consist of goods that originate from/or are shipped from a target risk country. This applies to any LCL consignment inside the container that has been shipped from or originated in a target risk country. Breakbulk Goods • Breakbulk includes those goods shipped on flat racks and in open-top containers. • All targeted high-risk goods shipped as break bulk must be treated offshore prior to arrival in Australia. • Untreated break bulk will be denied discharge and be directed for export on arrival. Onshore treatment is not permitted. • AEPCOMM arrangements for BMSB is permitted for break bulk goods Offshore Treatment Treatment providers in target risk countries All goods subject to BMSB measures must be treated by a treatment provider listed as ‘approved’ on the List of treatment providers. Treatment providers from target risk countries that wish to become registered to conduct BMSB treatments can do so under the scheme. Treatment certificates from target risk countries will not be accepted from unregistered treatment providers or treatment providers listed as ‘suspended’, ‘withdrawn’ or ‘under’ review’ on the List of treatment providers. Goods will be subject to onshore treatment (if permitted) or directed for export. Treatment providers in non-target risk countries Treatment providers in other countries who intend to conduct BMSB treatments for goods that are manufactured in or shipped from any of the target risk countries are encouraged to register under an offshore treatment assurance scheme. Treatment certificates issued by a treatment provider a in non-target risk country will be accepted unless the: • treatment provider is listed as ‘suspended’, 'withdrawn' or ‘under review’ on the List of treatment providers or • unregistered treatment provider is listed as ‘unacceptable’ or ‘under review’ on the Department’s webpage. DAFF – Offshore Treatment Providers For further information, please visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/before/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs and/or contact us.