Seasonal Measures for the Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) risk season in 2020-21

There has been a rapid expansion of the BMSB throughout Northern America and Europe. In response the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has retained measures to manage the risk of the bug arriving in Australia during the 2020-21 risk season.

Logistics during the Season

If you are importing or exporting to these countries this may cause logistical delays. C2C Logistics organise ground, air, and cargo freight during these times. We will help you to get your goods delivered as quickly as possible.

Target high risk goods will require treatment.

BMSB Risk Season in 2020-21

The time period for the risk season is between 1 September 2020 and 30 April 2021. Goods shipped during this time need to be treated and will be referred for intervention if they arrive by 31 May 2021.

During the 2020-21 BMSB risk season there will be restrictions and / or measured applied to:

  • Certain goods manufactured by or shipped from target risk countries.
  • Vessels that tranship, load, or berth at target risk countries.

Post treatment window

The post treatment window only applies to goods treated before 1 December 2020.

Target Risk Goods

Only high risk goods will be inspected and will require mandatory treatment for BMSB. Offshore treatment of target high risk goods shipped as break bulk will be required. Untreated break bulk goods will be denied discharge on arrival and directed for export.

 Compulsory Offshore or Onshore treatment

Consider your packaging when freight goods. C2C Logistics are happy to help you with this. Please allow extra time for packaging, and advise when booking.

  • Compulsory treatment of target high risk goods shipped in sealed six hard sided containers will be required, both offshore and onshore
  • LCL and FAK containers with target high risk goods will be managed at the container level for BMSB risk prior to deconsolidation.
  • Containers requiring onshore treatment will be subject to early reporting. Such containers will be permitted to be moved to an Approved Arrangement site for treatment at the container level. Deconsolidation or segregation of goods will not be permitted.

Offshore treatments and treatment providers

  • Treatment providers need to re-apply for register with DAWE as BMSB offshore treatment providers
  • As Methyl Bromide is not permitted in European countries, no MB Treatment Certificate from those countries will be acceptable to DAWE. Compliant Sulfuryl Fluoride Certificates are acceptable.
  • Where phosphine is a department approved treatment for particular commodities, ( flour, soybean meal, fish meal, nuts and oilseeds grains, seeds, flour, plant products and prepared foods) the department accepts certification from all offshore phosphine treatment providers in all countries. (phosphine is not acceptable for treatment of wooden products.)

Target Risk Countries

Target risk countries in relation to the BMSB are:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • France
  • Georgia
  • German
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Liechtenstein
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • Moldova
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • USA
  • Heightened vessel surveillance in Japan

DAWE will also be receiving the risk status of BMSB and undertaking onshore inspections at random from emerging risk countries. Random inspections may occur at:

  • Belarus
  • Denmark
  • Ireland
  • Poland
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • Kazakhstan
  • Chile

Random inspections may occur at a lower rate at the following countries:

  • Japan
  • China
  • Korea,
  • Taiwan
  • Argentina
  • South Africa
  • Uruguay

C2C Logistics are trained in procedures relating to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season, particularly in how they relate to freight and logistics. When it comes to sending your goods we can explain the restrictive measures and processes to you, and keep you informed as to any delays that may occur with your freight, whether you are sending or receiving overseas.

More information is available from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.

If you require clarification, or further information, on importing and exporting during the BMSTB season, please contact us by email or by phone on 02 4201 10611.