Press Room

Do you import containers to Australia? Get Ready for BMSB Stink Bug Season 2022 to 2023

Monday 15^th of August 2022

Dear Valued Clients,

Its that time of year again…..

BMSB Season 2022 to 2023 will be commencing from the 1^st of September 2022 to 30^th of April 2023.

With regards to the timelines, this is based on goods that were shipped on vessels on/between those dates, and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from a target risk country.

Please 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.

Essentially during BMSB Season the Department of Agriculture requires importers that import goods that are deemed high risk and from a high-risk country to be treated. There are a number of variables involved in what we can and cannot treat onshore here in Australia upon arrival, as well as what treatments/facilities we can treat offshore.

Given those variables it is really important that if you import from a target risk country to check with us if you are importing anything new or are arranging shipments on a CFR/CIF basis that we are not made aware of to provide our recommendations.

I have attached to this email the summary of what is currently as of today on the Departments website – please be aware that this can change at anytime and is important to also check the live links below:

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/before/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs#see-secure-report

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/before/brown-marmorated-stink-bugs/offshore-bmsb-treatment-providers-scheme

I have also provided below a breakdown of What is new? from last year as of today:

What's New?

From 1 August 2022

• Emerging risk countries - China and UK only

Chapters 94 and 95 will be subject to random inspections for emerging risk countries

(Chapter 94 – Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress supports, cushions and similar stuffed furnishings; luminaires and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like; prefabricated buildings)

(Chapter 95 – Toys, games and sports requisites ;parts and accessories thereof.

• 120 hours policy been amended for goods that have been rolled (with evidence)
• Inspect (unpack) Inspections instead of Secure Seals intact inspections at Approved Arrangements
• If your goods are classed as target high risk, they will require mandatory treatment.
• If your goods are classed as target risk, they will be subject to random inspection.
• If your goods are not found in either category, they are not subject to BMSB measures, however, will be subject to the measures if packed with target high risk or risk goods.
• Break bulk includes those goods shipped on flat racks and in open top containers.
• All target high risk goods shipped as break bulk must be treated offshore prior to arrival into Australia.
• Untreated break bulk will be directed for export.

If you have any questions at all on BMSB Season, please feel free to contact your Customer Operations Coordinator or alternatively our Customs Manager, Halim on the below:

Halim Tjion

Customs Manager

+61478005886

halimt@neolink.au

Best regards,

Neolink Marketing Team

Seasonal Measures for Brown Mamorated Stink Bug (BMSB) - Department of Agricultural, Fisheries & Forestry - August 2022