Stink Bug Season Guide 2020/21
Notice to importers
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)
The new Stink Bug Season is set to commence on 1st September 2020. There are some changes being introduced since the end of last season. These include a further expansion of target risk areas with the countries of Portugal, Ukraine and Moldova added. In addition there is a new list of emerging risk countries – Belarus, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, UK, Kazakhstan and Chile.
Goods imported from these countries may see more random onshore inspections.
Please see the link below for detailed information on BMSB Measures and the full list of Target Risk Countries and Target High-risk goods that require mandatory treatment for BMSB.
Please note that these measures will again capture any spare parts and accessories that are shipped with non-risk items.
We will continue to actively participate in industry discussions and meetings to keep up to date with the latest Australian regulations and help you stay compliant.
The stink bug season in Australia and globally will apply to all cargo loaded on or after the 1st September 2020 that arrives in Australian Territory by the 31st May 2021 (inclusive)
All high risk goods are subject to:
Mandatory treatment (onshore – Australia or offshore – origin) of target high risk goods shipped as FCL (full container load) or FCX (full container consolidated).
Offshore treatment of target high risk goods shipped as LCL (less than container load) or FAK (freight of all kinds) prior to arrival into Australian territories is preferred.
It should be noted that it is the preference of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) for goods to be treated offshore.
Overseas treatment must be undertaken by approved BMSB treatment providers only, treatment undertaken outside of approved providers will be re-treated at destination upon importation resulting in further costs.
Zero tolerance – Goods shipped as Break Bulk or in Open Top and/or on Flat Rack containers must be treated at origin prior to shipping. Goods not treated will not be allowed to enter Australia and will need to be re-exported or destroyed.
Learnings from the review of last season (19/20):
During last season DAWR (AQIS) raised the issue of a consignment’s suitability for treatment on numerous occasions. Basically they were concerned that many containers were not packed in a way that allowed an effective BMSB treatment to be applied. Examples included containers being very tightly packed, goods wrapped in plastic that stopped the treatments accessing all surfaces, etc.
Please see this for more detailed information, Packaging Guidelines.
Please keep in mind further random inspection of goods after treatment may be undertaken to validate the effectiveness of treatments.
Again, we stress that customers make themselves aware of the full information in the links provided. We suggest you forward this information to your suppliers overseas to ensure that they are fully aware of the BMSB requirements, especially in regard to packing / packaging, and the preference for goods to be treated offshore at an approved facility. This may assist to avoid any unnecessary delays / financial impacts during the upcoming season.
If you have any concerns, we strongly recommend that you send our Customs Department a copy of your purchase order BEFORE you send it to your supplier so that they can advise you of any potential issues.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of our following staff for further information or clarification on any part of this notice.
Paul O’Brien – pobrien@sadleirs.com.au
Damian Sabinasz – dsabinasz@sadleirs.com.au
Joe Fogarty – jfogarty@sadleirs.com.au
Matt Favazzo – mfavazzo@sadleirs.com.au
Peter Vasilevski – pvasilevski@sadleirs.com.au
Jay Watson – jwatson@sadleirs.com.au
A printable version of this email can be found here.
Kind Regards,
Sadleirs Global Logistics
