The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has finalised its seasonal measures for the 2024-25 BMSB risk season, which commences on 1 September 2024 and runs until 30 April 2025.
Any goods shipped from target-risk countries with a departure date during this period will be subject to BMSB measures.
Target Risk Countries
The complete list of target risk countries is as follows:
*Heightened vessel surveillance will be the only measure applied to Japan, China and South Korea
In addition to the above, the United Kingdom is regarded as an emerging-risk country.
Target High-Risk Goods
Goods falling within specific tariff classification categories are regarded as target high-risk goods, and treatment for BMSB is mandatory.
Target Risk Goods
Goods falling within other classification categories are regarded as Target Risk Goods and will not require mandatory treatment. However, they will be subject to increased onshore intervention via random inspections.
In addition to the Target High-Risk Goods, chapters 94 (furniture) and 95 (toys, games, and sporting equipment) will be subject to random inspections for emerging-risk countries.
A complete list of Target High-Risk and Target Risk Goods can be found here. Goods not listed in these categories do not require treatment. However, they may be subject to the measures if they are part of a container or consignment containing target high-risk or target risk goods.
Required Measures
FCL / FCX containers treated onshore will be treated at the container level, and deconsolidation or removal of goods (for example, exempt goods) will not be permitted. The following table outlines the risk groups and treatment interventions required.
The following measures will apply according to the different modes of transport:
*Offshore is preferred to remove the need to unpack overpacked and tightly packaged items for treatment, increasing delay and cost to the importer.
Goods requiring offshore treatment and arriving untreated will be prevented from discharge and directed for re-export on arrival.
All Target Risk Goods will be subject to increased onshore intervention through random inspection.
Goods not categorised as Target High-Risk or Target Risk are not subject to BMSB measures unless they are part of a consignment/container that contains target high-risk and target risk goods.
Treatment Options
DAFF will continue to accept three treatments for BMSB-affected goods. Your Magellan Customs team can provide dosage rates.
- Methyl Bromide
- Sulfuryl Fluoride
- Heat Treatment
Offshore treatment must be completed within 120 hours of containers being sealed or, in the case of breakbulk cargo, the onboard date.
Valid treatment certificates with consignment links (e.g. Bill of Lading no., container no., commercial invoice no., etc.) must be provided as evidence of offshore treatment.
Offshore treatment providers approved by DAFF may only carry out the treatment.
BMSB Sealing Declarations
Sealing declarations, completed and signed by either the exporter, freight forwarder or shipping company at the port of origin, will be required in the following circumstances:
Goods were containerised before 1 September but shipped after this date or
The Bill of Lading does not state the shipped on board date (which is deemed the date of export) or
Goods were sealed inside a container within 120 hours of treatment occurring offshore (for treatments conducted before 1 December).
Please get in touch with your Magellan Customs Broker or Client Services Representative should you have further questions concerning this matter.
Please get in touch with me on 1800 595 463 or duncan.g@maglog.com.au, your Magellan Logistics Customs Broker or Client Services Representative, should you have further questions regarding Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs 2025/25.
At Magellan Logistics, we also provide a full range of freight forwarding services, including Carbon Offset Freight, Project Logistics and MagTrack, our digital freight tracking system. Contact us today for more information!
