Press Room

Neolink Announcement – Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Seasonal Measures 2023 to 2024 – 30.8.23

Dear Valued Clients,

We hope this message finds you well.

As a trusted global freight forwarder serving Australian importers and exporters, we are committed to keeping you informed about critical updates affecting your shipments.

With the new season rapidly approaching, we want to ensure you are aware of the latest developments regarding the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) seasonal measures (all information below is also on the Department of Agriculture’s BMSB Resource Hub)

What's New for the 2023-2024 Season:

1. Uzbekistan Added to Target Risk Country List: Please note the addition of Uzbekistan to the list of target risk countries.
2. BMSB Frequently Asked Questions Webpage: A dedicated webpage to address your most common BMSB-related queries.

BMSB Seasonal Measures Overview:

• BMSB measures apply to goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries between 1 September and 30 April.
• The Ocean Bill of Lading's "shipped on board" date determines when goods are considered shipped.
• We continuously monitor and adjust measures based on BMSB detections and evolving risk pathways.

BMSB Measures for Goods:

• Target high-risk goods require mandatory treatment.
• Target risk goods are subject to random inspection.
• Goods not in these categories may be subject to measures if packed with high-risk or risk goods.
• Iso-tanks and bulk-in-holds are exempt.

Treatment of Target High-Risk Goods:

• Treatment in target risk countries must be by an 'approved' provider. (Current list of Offshore Treatment Providers as of 30.8.23)
• Containerized goods are treated onshore; break bulk goods are directed for export.
• Sealing declarations are permitted under specific circumstances.

Containerized Goods (FCL, FCX):

• Sealed six-sided containers with high-risk goods can be treated onshore or offshore.
• Effective container-level packing is essential.
• AEPCOMM arrangements are available for certain cases.

Break Bulk Goods:

• All high-risk goods shipped as break bulk must be treated offshore.
• Onshore treatment is not allowed.
• AEPCOMM arrangements are available.

LCL and FAK Containers:

• Managed at the container level for BMSB risk before deconsolidation.
• Further processing at the Full Import Declaration (FID) level for other biosecurity interventions.

Known Risk Pathways and Supply Chains:

• Goods from known risk pathways with prior BMSB detections may undergo treatment or inspections.

Treatment in Australia and New Zealand:

• BMSB measures apply to goods imported into Australia.
• No cross-treatment between Australia and New Zealand is permitted.

Target Risk Countries:

The following countries are classified as target risk (as of 30.8.23):

Albania

Andorra

Armenia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia

Czechia

France

Japan (heightened vessel surveillance only).

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Kazakhstan

Kosovo

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Montenegro

Moldova

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Republic of North Macedonia

Romania

Russia

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

United States of America

Uzbekistan (new)

The following countries have been identified as emerging risk countries for the -BMSB risk season and may be selected for a random onshore inspection:

United Kingdom and China

China – random inspections will apply to goods shipped between 1 September to 31 December (inclusive)

United Kingdom – random inspections will apply to goods shipped between 1 December to 30 April (inclusive)

In addition to the target high risk goods, chapters 39, 94 and 95 will be subject to random inspections for emerging risk countries only.

Emerging Risk Countries:

Emerging risk countries include the United Kingdom and China, with random inspections during specific timeframes.

Target Goods Subject to Measures:

• Target high-risk and risk goods are identified by specific tariff classifications. (BMSB Resource Hub Link for full list)
• Other goods within containers with high-risk or risk goods are subject to measures.

Measures for Vessels:

• All ro-ro vessels in target risk countries between 1 September and 30 April will undergo heightened surveillance.
• The Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme offers exemptions for approved vessels.

Approved BMSB Treatment Options:

Three treatment options are available: Heat, Methyl Bromide, and Sulfuryl Fluoride. (BMSB Resource Hub Link for full list)

Treatment Minimum Standards:

Providers must adhere to minimum standards to ensure effective treatment.

Onshore and Offshore Treatment Providers:

Treatment providers in target risk countries must be registered and 'approved. (BMSB Resource Hub Link for full list)

Neolink does not have single set approach to BMSB Season for all of our customers, this is done on a customer-by-customer basis depending on the supply chain you run and as such we may present/recommend different solutions accordingly.

Our team will be proactively reaching out to customers that import from target risk countries and even countries that are emerging risk to warn of the challenges that may be incurred from random inspections during this period. We highly recommend to all of our customers that they allow for some time within their supply chains to account for either origin/destination fumigation and random inspections being incurred if your company imports commodities from countries that fall into any of the key categories above.

Neolink and all of our team members are here to work with you during this period and ensure your supply chains adhere to the government’s requirements, as well as limit as much as possible the disruption to your business.

If you have any questions surrounding the BMSB period, please feel free to contact your Customer Operations Coordinator or your Business Development Manager.

Best regards,

Neolink Marketing Team