BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG (BMSB).

2020-2021 Seasonal Measures for Importing Goods to Australia.

Origin: East Asia. Distribution: Well established in East Asia, USA and Europe. Features: 12-17mm, distinctive broad brown ‘shield’ shape. Adults are mottled red/brown with white bands on the antennae, legs and outer edge of the abdomen. Remains dormant while in transit. Pathway: Highly mobile. Hitchhikes on imported goods aboard vessels and aircraft. Hiding places: Seeks shelter from the cold in large numbers in protected places such as shipping containers, crates, machinery and vehicles.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is a pest that poses a significant biosecurity risk to Australia. The pest is known to stow away in cargo being shipped from countries in the northern hemisphere between September and April. If the BMSB is introduced into Australia, the pest could destroy crops, nursery stock and ornamental plants. The bug is now on the move and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) are closely monitoring every shipment originating in target risk countries.

Target Risk Countries.

Albania. Andorra. Armenia. Austria. Azerbaijan.

Belgium. Bosnia. Bulgaria.

Canada. Croatia. Czechia.

France.

Georgia. Germany. Greece.

Herzegovina. Hungary.

Italy.

Japan.

Kosovo.

Liechtenstein. Luxembourg.

Moldova. Montenegro.

Netherlands

Portugal.

The Republic of North Macedonia. Romania. Russia.

Serbia. Slovakia. Slovenia. Spain. Switzerland.

Turkey.

Ukraine. USA.

The following countries have been identified as emerging risk countries for the 2020/21 BMSB risk season and may be selected for a random check onshore inspection:

Belarus.

Denmark.

Ireland.

Kazakhstan and Chile.

Poland.

Sweden.

United Kingdom.

2020-21 BMSB Risk Season.

Biosecurity measures are in place for incoming goods and vessels, and all importers are advised to review the industry advice notices that are subject to regular changes. The DAWE has worked in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to ensure that all seasonal preventative measures remain consistent across the two countries.

As per DAWE, heightened biosecurity measures apply to:

• Certain goods manufactured in or shipped from, target-risk countries.
• Vessels that berth at, load or tranship from target risk countries.

These measures apply to goods being shipped to arrive in Australian territory between 1 September 2020 and 31 May 2021 (inclusive). Goods shipped between 1 September 2020 and 30 April 2021 are required to be treated and will be referred for intervention if they arrive by 31 May 2021 (inclusive).

Treatment Measures.

There are three treatment methods, including:

• Heat.
• Methyl Bromide.
• Sulfuryl Flouride (third-party system).

Treatment is available onshore and offshore, in target risk countries and non-target risk countries by approved treatment providers. Open top containers, flat rack containers and break-bulk consignments must be mandatorily treated overseas. All consignments must have a valid treatment certificate. Shipments with fraudulent certificates or those consignments with a certificate from an unapproved treatment provider in a target risk country will be sent for onshore treatment or will be exported.

As with all previous BMSB risk seasons, you must comply with these measures. Businesses should be particularly wary of purchasing second-hand goods or items that may have been stored for an extended time from overseas. If you notice any pests in your packages, you must take immediate action and call the See. Secure. Report. Hotline on 1800 798 636.

Call and speak to one of our freight experts at Avion on +61 2 9326 8400 regarding your international freight needs and the new 2020-21 BMSB biosecurity measures.