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Don’t lose your cargo to the dreaded stink bug this season! In response to a growing threat from Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, Australia has joined forces with governments across the globe in introducing tougher measures.
If you’re importing cargo between September 1st 2019 and 31st May 2020, find out everything you need to know to keep these nasty critters offshore and OFF your cargo.
What are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs?
Brown marmorated stink bugs – or BMSB for short – are small insects which are native to a collection of Asian countries, namely China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan. It was first spotted in the USA over twenty years ago and has now become a major international pest that Quarantine are on the lookout for.
The reason that these little critters are so despised is that they feed off over 100 known species of plants, including agricultural crops. Millions of dollars of crops have been lost internationally.
The bugs also nest in large numbers within buildings, releasing an awful stench when disturbed
Are they already in Australia?
Detection levels have been rising over the last few years at the Australian border, and authorities are primed for another tough season of regulation. In addition, there were eight incidents of post-border detection last season across the country, which were dealt with quickly by The Department of Agriculture.
While the species is not yet established in Australia, if it does become so it will be a major problem for our agricultural sectors such as the farming industry, and nurseries.
Why September – May?
Stink bugs are born travelers who love to hitchhike. It’s thought they first entered the US by stowing away in packing crates from China.
This period is prime for the stink bugs to try and enter Australia embedded in cargo from the Northern hemisphere.
If you’re importing during this period, you need to check the regulations below carefully.
Which specific countries are deemed high risk for BSMB?
The below countries have been identified as having stink bug infestations and are deemed ‘target risk’. If you are shipping high target risk OR target risk goods from these countries, whether they are manufactured there or not, they will be subjected to seasonal measures.
This is the case even if a vessel has only berthed or loaded from that country.
I’m shipping from one of these countries. Will my goods be subjected to mandatory BSMB treatment?
For the purposes of BMSB treatment, imported goods are classified as:
‘Target High Risk’ Goods – Yes
These include ceramics and textiles, vehicles, metals and infrastructure products. They will be subject to mandatory treatment. Read more here.
‘Target Risk’ – Possible Intervention
These include articles made from plastic, rubber and wood pulp, as well as paper and miscellaneous chemicals. They will not be subjected to mandatory treatment, but they will receive increased attention and random inspections. A full list is here.
Exempt
All other goods – such as live animals, seeds and food for consumption – are not subject to treatment. However, if they are in a container with target risk or high-risk items, they will be. Don’t risk your goods being denied entry.
Familiarise yourself with the rules for different types of containers here.
What is the mandatory BSMB treatment?
Importers can have their goods treated offshore, at an internationally approved treatment centre, or at an Australian facility. They must provide a BSMB Treatment Certificate that it has been carried out. Otherwise your goods will be destroyed.
A full list of approved Offshore BSMB Treatment facilities can be accessed here.
The three approved treatments are:
- Heat Treatment
- Methyl Bromide Fumigation
- Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation
Each system can impact goods differently. Check the information carefully to find out what’s right for your product.
Talk to the Experts
The best way to ensure that you’re across all the rules and regulations which come with importing is to use an expert Customs brokerage and international freight forwarder like End to End Customs.
Specialising in small to medium Australian businesses, End to End provides a personalised service which mean your precious cargo will get to you safely – wherever in the world it’s coming from!
