As the 2024-25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season draws near, businesses involved in importing goods need to be aware of the stringent regulations that apply during this period. These measures target specific goods that are produced in or shipped from high-risk countries between September 1 and April 30. The rules also apply to vessels that dock, load, or tranship from these regions during the same timeframe.
Importance of the Shipping Date
The “shipped on board” date, noted on the Ocean Bill of Lading, plays a key role in determining whether goods are subject to the seasonal BMSB measures. It is essential for importers to ensure the accuracy of this data to prevent delays or compliance issues when their goods arrive.
BMSB Measures for Goods
Goods identified as high-risk must undergo mandatory treatment before being allowed entry, while those classified as low-risk are subject to random inspections. This differentiation aims to control the spread of BMSB effectively.
Mandatory Treatment for High-Risk Goods
For goods classified under high-risk categories, treatment by a certified provider is mandatory. Importantly, break bulk goods—those shipped on flat racks or open-top containers—must be treated offshore before entering Australia. Ensuring proper treatment helps avoid potential entry delays or penalties.
High-Risk Goods Categories
Certain products, classified under specific tariff headings, are deemed high-risk and require mandatory BMSB treatment:
- 44: Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal
- 45: Cork and articles of Cork
- 57: Carpets and other textile floor coverings
- 68: Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica, or similar materials
- 69: Ceramic products (including sub-chapters I and II)
- 70: Glass and glassware
- 72: Iron and steel (including sub-chapters I, II, III, IV)
- 73: Articles of iron or steel
- 74: Copper and articles thereof
- 75: Nickel and articles thereof
- 76: Aluminium and articles thereof
- 78: Lead and articles thereof
- 79: Zinc and articles thereof
- 80: Tin and articles thereof
- 81: Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof
- 82: Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks, of base metal; parts thereof of base metal
- 83: Miscellaneous articles of base metals
- 84: Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances; parts thereof
- 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles
- 86: Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling stock, and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signaling equipment of all kinds
- 87: Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof
- 88: Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof
- 89: Ships, boats, and floating structures
Classification of Target Risk Goods
In contrast, goods falling under the target risk category are not subject to mandatory treatment but face random inspection upon arrival. These goods include:
- 27: Mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes
- 28: Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements, or of isotopes (including sub-chapters I, II, III, IV, and V)
- 29: Organic chemicals (including sub-chapters I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII, and XIII)
- 38: Miscellaneous chemical products
- 39: Plastics and articles thereof (including sub-chapters I and II)
- 40: Rubber and articles thereof
- 48: Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, paper, or paperboard
- 49: Printed books, newspapers, pictures, and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, typescripts, and plans
- 56: Wadding, felt, and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes, and cables, and articles thereof
Target Risk Countries
These listed countries have been categorized as target risk for the BMSB season:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China (heightened vessel surveillance only)
- Croatia
- Czechia
- France
- Japan (heightened vessel surveillance only)
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Republic of Korea (heightened vessel surveillance only)
- 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
Approved BMSB Treatment Methods
To prevent the entry of BMSB, there are three approved treatment methods:
- Heat Treatment: Goods must be heated to at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes at the coldest point.
- Methyl Bromide Fumigation: This method requires a dosage of 24 g/m³ at temperatures above 10°C, sustained for at least 12 to 24 hours.
- Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation: Similar to methyl bromide, with dosage requirements based on exposure time and temperature.
Conclusion
As the 2024-25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season approaches, businesses involved in international trade must stay informed and prepared to comply with these seasonal measures. Correct classification of goods, understanding treatment requirements, and adhering to shipping regulations will be crucial in ensuring smooth customs clearance and avoiding costly delays.
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