As we approach the 2025–26 BMSB risk season, we want to ensure you’re informed and prepared for the latest Australian Biosecurity requirements affecting imported goods.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has finalised its seasonal measures to safeguard Australia from the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). This is a highly invasive pest that poses a serious threat to Australia’s agriculture and environment.
Key Dates and Requirements:
- Risk Season: Once again, the season runs from 1 September 2025 to 30 April 2026 (inclusive).
- Mandatory Treatment: Applies to target high-risk goods manufactured in or shipped from designated risk countries.
- Mandatory Offshore treatment: Applies to Breakbulk cargo. Further details regarding break-bulk cargo can be follow below.
- Offshore Treatment providers: Offshore Treatments (ie: those treatments conducted at origin) must be undertaken by an approved treatment provider.
- Heightened Surveillance: China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea are now subject to increased vessel monitoring.
- Airfreight Inspections: Random inspections will apply to high-risk goods from the USA and China, but treatment is not required.
Target Risk Countries Include:
There are over 30 countries subject to the specific ‘targeted country list’ such as the USA, Italy, Germany, France, and China.
The full country list can be found on the Department of Agriculture website: DAFF website.
Target High-Risk Goods Include:
Items under tariff chapters, such as:
- 44–45: Wood and cork products
- 72–89: Metals, machinery, vehicles, and vessels
- 84–85: Nuclear reactors, electrical equipment
- 57, 68–70: Carpets, ceramics, glassware
Emerging Risk Goods (Subject to Random Inspection):
Includes plastics, furniture, toys, and more under chapters 39, 94, and 95.
IMPORTANT Break-bulk Cargo (Yachts/Boats)
- Break bulk includes those goods shipped on flat racks and in open top containers.
- All target high risk goods shipped as break-bulk must be treated offshore prior to arrival into Australia.
- Untreated break-bulk will be denied discharge and directed for re-export.
- Onshore treatment is not permitted.
- Shipper Owned Containers (SOCs) and FCL containers that have been modified, such as those used to house in-built power generators, filtration plants, portable accommodation, etc., are no longer sealed six hard-sided containers and are considered break-bulk cargo.
Approved offshore treatment providers:
A list of approved offshore treatment providers can be found on the Department of Agriculture website: Pre-border Biosecurity Treatment Providers – DAFF
We recommend referring to this list before arranging all treatments , to ensure any given treatment provider has not had their approval suspended or cancelled.
What else is new for 2025–26:
- Introduction of Ethyl Formate as an approved offshore treatment option.
- Updated application process for in-transit and rolled cargo policies.
- Continued review and adjustment of measures based on pest detections and risk pathways.
We understand these requirements can be complex to navigate for international trade.
Be assured, our team is here to support you with guidance, treatment coordination, and updates as they become available.
For more information or assistance, please reach out to our Customs team.
