DAFF has released a new update for the 2026-2027 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season, confirming changes to alternative clearance pathways for goods subject to BMSB seasonal measures.
This follows our recent early planning bulletin, BMSB Risk Season Australia 2026-2027: Importers Should Prepare Early, where we noted that DAFF had not yet released the final 2026-2027 seasonal measures and that TFG Global would provide further updates as new information became available.
The latest DAFF update confirms that two alternative clearance pathways will no longer be available from the 2026-2027 BMSB season:
- The BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme
- The BMSB rolled goods policy
For importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, treatment providers and Biosecurity Industry Participants, this is an important change to understand before the season begins.
What Has Changed?
Following a review of BMSB seasonal measures, DAFF has advised that the BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme and the BMSB rolled goods policy will cease for the 2026-2027 season.
These pathways have previously provided alternative clearance options for some goods during past BMSB seasons.
DAFF has now determined that these arrangements do not provide a level of protection equal to the current BMSB treatment-based settings and loading requirements.
As a result, goods subject to BMSB seasonal measures will need to be managed through the standard legislated pathways that apply under the relevant BMSB requirements.
BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme No Longer Available
The BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme will not be available from the 2026-2027 BMSB season onwards.
DAFF has confirmed that new applications will not be accepted, and approvals provided for the 2025-2026 BMSB season will not have effect going forward.
Importers who previously relied on this scheme should review their supply chains now and make sure their goods can meet the standard BMSB seasonal requirements.
This may include mandatory treatment where required.
DAFF has also reminded previous participants that where target high-risk goods are shipped in sealed six hard-sided containers, BMSB treatment can occur either before export or on arrival in Australia at the container level.
The key point is that early planning is now even more important.
If importers previously relied on the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme as part of their BMSB compliance strategy, that pathway should not be assumed for the 2026-2027 season.
BMSB Rolled Goods Policy Also Ceasing
DAFF has also confirmed that the BMSB rolled goods policy will not be available from the 2026-2027 season onwards.
This is particularly important for goods shipped as break bulk, including open top, flat rack or modified containers.
These cargo types must meet the relevant post-treatment loading requirements where applicable.
Where goods do not meet the relevant BMSB post-treatment requirements, they must be retreated offshore before arrival.
If goods arrive in Australia without meeting the required treatment and loading requirements, DAFF has advised that they will be denied discharge and/or directed for export so they can be treated offshore before return.
That creates a much higher risk profile for importers moving oversized cargo, machinery, steel, project cargo, vehicles or goods shipped outside standard sealed container arrangements.
In-Transit Policy Remains Available in Limited Circumstances
DAFF has confirmed that the in-transit policy will continue to be available.
However, this should not be treated as a general fallback option.
The in-transit policy allows, subject to pre-arrival application and approval, onshore re-treatment for eligible break bulk goods, including open top, flat rack and modified containers, where the goods were shipped on board before the relevant treatment provider was placed under review or suspended.
Importers should not assume they can rely on this pathway for general planning or routine compliance issues.
The practical message is clear: cargo should be planned, treated and documented correctly before it moves.
Why This Matters for Importers
This update reinforces the message from our first 2026-2027 BMSB bulletin: importers should not leave BMSB planning until the cargo is ready to ship.
The removal of these alternative clearance pathways means there may be less flexibility for some cargo types and supply chains.
Importers should pay particular attention if they:
- Previously used the BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme
- Move target high-risk goods from target risk countries
- Ship cargo as break bulk, flat rack, open top or modified containers
- Import oversized machinery, project cargo, steel or industrial goods
- Rely on offshore treatment providers
- Have tight shipping windows or customer delivery deadlines
- Use complex supply chains where cargo may be rolled, delayed or rerouted
The cost of getting this wrong can be significant.
Depending on the cargo and circumstances, non-compliance may result in delay, refused discharge, export direction, offshore re-treatment, storage charges and wider supply chain disruption.
What Importers Should Do Now
Importers should start reviewing their 2026-2027 BMSB exposure before the season begins.
Key steps include:
- Confirm whether your goods are likely to be target high-risk or target risk goods.
- Confirm where the goods are manufactured and shipped from.
- Check whether your cargo type is standard containerised, break bulk, flat rack, open top or modified container.
- Review whether you previously relied on the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme or rolled goods policy.
- Plan treatment early where mandatory treatment is likely to apply.
- Use approved offshore treatment providers where required.
- Confirm post-treatment loading requirements before treatment is arranged.
- Keep treatment certificates, bills of lading and loading evidence aligned.
- Speak with your freight forwarder or customs broker before cargo is packed or shipped.
The safest approach is to check the pathway before the cargo moves.
Once goods are on the water, options become more limited and more expensive.
TFG Global Recommendation
The latest DAFF update does not yet represent the full 2026-2027 BMSB seasonal measures.
DAFF has advised that its BMSB webpages, BICON and related guidance material will be updated before the commencement of the 2026-2027 season.
However, the removal of the BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme and rolled goods policy is already a clear signal that importers should review their BMSB planning now.
TFG Global recommends that importers do not assume previous season pathways will continue to apply.
If your goods may be affected by BMSB seasonal measures, especially if they involve target high-risk goods, break bulk, open top, flat rack or modified containers, now is the time to check your options.
Early planning can reduce the risk of treatment issues, refused discharge, export directions and avoidable delays.
TFG Global will continue monitoring DAFF updates for the 2026-2027 BMSB season and will publish further guidance as the final seasonal measures become available.
If you are unsure whether your shipment may be affected, speak with the TFG Global team before the cargo is booked.
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