On 01 May 2023, the 2022-23 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season ended. It began on 01 September last year and applied to targeted goods manufactured in, or shipped from, target risk countries.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry yesterday issued Industry Advice Notice no. 99-2023: Conclusion of the 2022-23 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Risk Season. It is directed to the attention of stakeholders in the import and shipping industries, including freight forwarders, importers, customs brokers and all those associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2022-23 BMSB risk season.
The BMSB is considered a ‘hitchhiker pest’ and international trade provides opportunities for it to hitch a ride into Australia. They may arrive on cargo of all kinds, but are commonly hidden in and around machinery and vehicles and on/in shipping containers from risk countries. They can be found on goods arriving in Australia between September and April – coinciding with late Autumn and Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This is known as the BMSB risk season.
Goods shipped on board or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 01 May 2023, will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures including the Seasonal Pest Inspection (SPI) on arrival.
Target high risk goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that are shipped on board vessels between 01 September 2022 and 30 April 2023 are subject to BMSB measures on arrival, regardless of the arrival date.
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 are not accepted to determine when goods are shipped.
DAFF reminds importers that it is their responsibility to continue to ensure that any goods imported, are free of biosecurity risk material throughout the year, not just during periods of heightened seasonal measures.
Read our related article: Launch of New Website for Hitchhiker Pests.
Colless Young is a Licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder. We offer professional advice on all aspects of import and export procedures, including clearance through Customs and Quarantine, at all Australian ports and airports. Our logistics services cover airfreight and sea cargo, including fumigation, warehousing and trucking.
