Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Regulations 2021/2022

The Department of Agriculture have released new measures in response to the upcoming brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season 2021/2022, with the measures to come into effect on the 1st September. These updated regulations are set to be in place until the 30th April 2022, and come with a hefty fee if not complied with!

Confused by these regulations? We break down everything you need to know for your upcoming shipments:

Why are there BMSB regulations?

To put it simply, the bug is a major threat to crop growers, as they can breed up huge populations, and feed on hundreds of hosts – including fruit trees and other important agricultural crops. The risk of importing BSMB increases between September to May, which is why updated regulations are released around this time each year.

What are the BSMB regulations?

All ‘high risk’ goods shipped from ‘target risk’ countries, are required to be treated by a registered off-shore treatment provider. It’s super important that your treatment provider is registered – if goods have been treated by an unregistered provider, the treatment will not be considered valid, and your goods will be subjected to on-shore treatment or directed for export.

What countries are affected by these BSMB regulations?

These measures apply to certain goods that have been in, or shipped from the following 37 countries, which now includes Poland.

Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Bosnia
Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Czechia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Montenegro
Moldova
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Servia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United States of America
Japan (heightened vessel surveillance will be the only measure applied).

What goods are classified as high risk?

Goods that fall under the following tariff classifications require mandatory treatment for BMSB.

36 – Explosives; pyrotechnic products74 – Copper and articles thereof83 – Miscellaneous articles of base metals
44 – Wood and articles of wood75 – Nickel and articles thereof84 – Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof
45 – Cork and articles of cork76 – Aluminum and articles thereof85 – Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof
57 – Carpets and other textile floor coverings78 – Lead and articles thereof86 – Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof
68 – Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials79 – Zinc and articles thereof87 – Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof
69 – Ceramic products80 – Tin and articles thereof88 – Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
70 – Glass and glass ware81 – Other base metals; cermet’s89 – Ships, boats and floating structures
72 – Iron and steel82 – Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal93 – Arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof
73 – Articles of iron or steel
Source: Department of Agriculture

How do I treat my shipment?

There are three approved treatment types, with set minimum standards for the application to be followed. The approved treatment types are as follows:

  • Heat
  • Methyl Bromide
  • Sulfuryl Fluoride
  • Sulfuryl Fluoride – Using third-party system

For more information on treatment types and specific application requirements, click here.

What if the BSMB treatment is harmful to my shipment?

If your shipment falls into the above listed categories, but is unable to be treated due to its contents, then you’ll need a BMSB declaration. This may also require a co-sign by the destination customs broker.

What else do I need to know about these BMSB regulations?

  • All impervious wrappings must be removed, opened or slashed prior to fumigation in order for the treatment to be effective.
  • Any shipments being booked via Asian Gateways (Singapore/ Port Kelang / Hong Kong / Busan) requires the Shipper to disclose the country of manufacture before the booking can be accepted.
  • Make sure you’re not mis-declaring! This can lead to major delays – and not only will you have to pay a fee, but also treatment costs, container detention costs and re-export and import costs.

So there you have it! As long as you follow these regulations, your shipment won’t be affected. For more specific information, including detailed information on treatment options, click here.

Still scratching your head? Save yourself the headache and get in contact with McHugh and Eastwood, for simplified + streamlined supply chain solutions.

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