Dear Valued Customers,
It is that time of the year again!
As we approach the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season starting next month, it’s essential to understand how these measures will impact your supply chains.
If your goods are subject to BMSB treatment, additional time needs to be factored into your logistics planning. Given the ongoing challenges such as delays in the Red Sea and transshipment bottlenecks, it's crucial to read this update and understand how these regulations affect your supply chain and how Neolink can assist in mitigating potential disruptions. These seasonal measures are critical to safeguarding Australia's biosecurity and preventing the introduction of this invasive pest.
Please review the below to ensure your business is fully prepared for BMSB Season and also online at The Department of Agriculture’s website:
- Expanded Surveillance Measures
- New Countries Added: For the upcoming season, both China and the Republic of Korea have been added to the heightened vessel surveillance list. Vessels that berth, load, or tranship from these countries between 1 September and 30 April will be subject to increased inspection and monitoring upon arrival in Australia.
- Vessel Seasonal Pest Inspections: All vessels from target risk countries during this period will undergo a mandatory seasonal pest inspection on arrival in Australia. This measure is critical to preventing the introduction of BMSB via maritime pathways.
- Mandatory Treatment Requirements
- Target High-Risk Goods: Goods classified under specific tariff classifications, such as wood, metals, ceramics, and vehicles, are considered high-risk and will require mandatory treatment. Treatment can be conducted offshore or onshore at the container level. However, for break bulk goods, offshore treatment is mandatory, as onshore treatment is not permitted. See the full list here
- Target Risk Goods: These goods, including chemicals and plastics, will be subject to random inspections upon arrival. While mandatory treatment is not required, goods must be handled according to the regulations to ensure compliance. See the full list here
- Offshore Treatment Compliance with AusTreat
- Introduction of AusTreat: AusTreat has been introduced to regulate and standardize the registration and compliance of offshore treatment providers. Only treatments conducted by providers registered and approved under AusTreat will be accepted by the Australian authorities. This ensures that all treatments meet the necessary biosecurity standards before goods arrive in Australia.
- Repercussions for Non-Compliance: Any goods treated by unapproved providers will be subject to onshore treatment (if permitted) or directed for export. This highlights the importance of using only approved treatment providers.
- Offshore Treatment Providers
Where Neolink is arranging the freight movement of your goods we will be working with our overseas partner offices to coordinate treatment with registered and approved treatment providers where applicable.
- Registered Providers: Treatment providers listed on the 'List of Treatment Providers' are registered under Australia's pre-border biosecurity treatment assurance schemes and have met the required registration and compliance standards.
- Provider Status Categories:
- Approved: Fully compliant with registration requirements for the treatment types they conduct.
- Under Review: Non-compliance indicators identified; biosecurity risk management required. Treatment certificates are not accepted from providers under review.
- Suspended: Providers have failed to comply with import conditions, and treatment certificates are not accepted from suspended providers.
- Withdrawn: Providers voluntarily withdraw from the schemes; treatment certificates are not accepted after the withdrawal date.
- Legislative Basis: The list of treatment providers is referenced in various sections of the Biosecurity Determinations for different Australian territories.
- In Transit Policy: Consignments already in transit when a provider's status changes are subject to additional biosecurity risk management measures.
The full list of approved treatment providers are listed here on The Department of Agriculture’s website
- Documentation and Compliance
- Sealing Declarations: For goods shipped in Full Container Load (FCL) or Full Container Consolidated (FCX) containers, sealing declarations will be required under specific conditions, such as when goods were containerized and sealed prior to 1 September but shipped after this date. This documentation is crucial to verify the compliance of shipments.
- Fraudulent Certificates: The Australian Department of Agriculture has increased its efforts to detect and monitor fraudulent treatment certificates. Any consignment found with fraudulent documentation will be directed for onshore treatment (if permitted) or exported.
- Onshore Treatment and Handling
- Onshore Treatment: Where onshore treatment is permitted, it must be conducted at the container level, with goods remaining sealed inside the container. Deconsolidation or removal of goods from the container prior to treatment is not allowed. This is to ensure the effective application of biosecurity measures.
- Break Bulk Goods: All target high-risk goods shipped as break bulk must be treated offshore. Untreated break bulk goods will be denied discharge or directed for export, as onshore treatment is not an option.
- Target Risk Countries
- Comprehensive List: The following countries have been categorized as target risk for the BMSB season:
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine.
- Americas and Asia: United States, Canada, Japan (heightened vessel surveillance only), China (heightened vessel surveillance only), Republic of Korea (heightened vessel surveillance only).
- Emerging Risk Countries: The United Kingdom and China have been identified as emerging risk countries, with random inspections to apply to goods shipped within specific periods.
- BMSB Treatment Types and Standards
- Approved Treatments:
- Heat Treatment: Goods must be treated at 56°C or higher for a minimum of 30 minutes at the coldest surface. For individual goods weighing less than 3000 kg, the treatment temperature can be 60°C for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Methyl Bromide and Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation: Specific dosing and temperature requirements must be met, with strict standards for concentration readings and end-point readings.
- Minimum Standards: Treatment providers must adhere to strict methodologies and standards to ensure the effectiveness of treatments. These standards are part of the broader effort to manage biosecurity risks effectively.
- Key Recommendations for Importers
- Engage Early with Treatment Providers: Ensure that all target high-risk goods are treated by approved providers well before they reach Australian shores.
- Prepare Documentation Thoroughly: Accurate and complete documentation, including sealing declarations and treatment certificates, is essential to avoid delays.
- Monitor Compliance: Regularly check that all shipments meet the required standards and that treatment providers remain in good standing with the Australian authorities.
- Plan for Potential Delays: Given the enhanced monitoring and inspection regime, build potential delays into your supply chain planning.
- Tailored Approach: Neolink recognizes that the choice between onshore and offshore treatment varies by supply chain. We work with you on a shipment-by-shipment basis, providing key details like freight rates, transit times, and potential delays, to help you make the best decision aligned with your objectives.
10 Neolink’s Commitment
At Neolink, we recognize the complexities and challenges posed by BMSB regulations. Our experienced team is committed to guiding you through these processes, ensuring your shipments meet all compliance requirements and arrive safely and on schedule. We are dedicated to providing proactive support and tailored solutions to effectively manage these risks.
If you have any questions or need assistance in preparing for the upcoming BMSB season, please feel free to contact your Neolink representative.
Approximately 90% of our customers rely on Neolink to manage their global freight shipments under EXW or FOB terms. If you are importing from a target risk country subject to BMSB measures, we strongly recommend entrusting your global freight to us under these terms to ensure full compliance and efficient handling. If you are arranging shipping through your suppliers or other booking agents, or if you are importing new products that we may not be aware of, please consult with Neolink and our Customs Department for expert guidance before shipping. We are here to help you navigate the BMSB season smoothly.
For detailed information, please refer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry website.
Best regards,
Neolink Marketing Team
