BMSB Season 2024-2025

As we inch closer to the 2024-2025 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season, we share this update that give our customers and clients valuable information on how to navigate through this current BMSB season. 

Measures apply to certain goods shipped between 1st September and 30th April as sea cargo.

Updates for 2024-2025:

• China and Republic of Korea have been added to the heightened vessel surveillance list
• Austreat for offshore treatment providers has been introduced

Recap from the last BMSB Season

1. BMSB Measures for goods
   • Target high risk goods – require mandatory treatment
   • Target risk goods – subject to random inspections
   • Not subject to measures:
     1. Goods not found in either category
     2. Goods shipped in iso-tanks

2. Treatment of target high risk goods
   • Must be treated by a provider listed as approved on the list of treatment providers
   • Certificates issued by unregistered treatment providers will not be accepted
     1. Containerised goods will be directed for onshore treatment
     2. Break bulk, Open Top and Flat racks will be directed for export

3. Information on Break Bulk Goods
   • Goods shipped on flat racks and in open top containers
   • All target high risk goods must be treated prior to arrival to Australia
   • Untreated break bulk will be denied discharge
   • Onshore treatment will not be permitted
   • Modified FCL containers are considered break bulk cargo
   • Automated Entry Processing for Commodity (AEPCOMM) for BMSB is permitted for break bulk goods. Refer to relevant BICON commodities for assessment and outcomes

4. Guide on Containerised Goods (FCL, FCX)

• Containerised cargo in sealed six hard sided containers with target high risk goods can be treated offshore, or onshore at the container level
• Refrigerated containers and hard top sealed containers are considered the same classification as above
• Removal of goods from the container will not be permitted prior to treatment if onshore treatment is to occur.
• AEPCOMM arrangements for BMSB is permitted for containerised goods shipped as FCL and FCX
• A sealing declaration can be utilised for FCL/FCX containers in the following events:
  • Goods were containerised and sealed prior to 1st September
  • The bill of lading does not state the shipped-on board date
  • Target high risk goods were manufactured, packed and sealed in a non-target risk country but shipped from a target risk country
  • Goods were sealed inside the container within 120 hours of treatment occurring offshore

5. New, Unused and not Field Tested (NUFT) goods

Goods that can meet all the following criteria will not be subject to mandatory BMSB treatment:

• The goods were manufactured on or after 1 December? (manufacture must start from 1 December of the current BMSB risk season).
• The goods are classified under the following tariff chapters only: 82, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 and 89?
• Evidence can be provided in the form of a BMSB NUFT (new, unused and not field tested) manufacturers declaration that the goods were manufactured on or after 1 December?

For the list of target risk countries and target goods subject to the measures, you may visit the Department of Agriculture website.

For more information and expert advice, please get in touch with McHugh and Eastwood’s Custom’s Team at customs@mcheast.com.au