BMSB Season 2026/27: Important Import and Export Requirements for Australia and New Zealand
September 2026 marks the beginning of BMSB season.
BMSB seasonal measures are now in effect for shipments to Australia and New Zealand.
Importers and Exporters moving cargo to Australia or New Zealand should be aware that seasonal biosecurity measures for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) apply from 1 September 2026 through 30 April 2027.
These measures are designed to prevent BMSB and other pests from entering Australia and New Zealand through international cargo.
For businesses shipping machinery, vehicles, metal products, equipment and other potentially high-risk goods, getting the treatment and documentation right before shipment is essential. Failure to comply can result in inspections, treatment, delays and additional costs at destination.
What is BMSB?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest that can hide in cargo, shipping containers, machinery, vehicles and other goods.
The insect is particularly active as a biosecurity risk during the northern hemisphere autumn and winter. It seeks sheltered places to survive colder temperatures, which means international cargo can become an ideal hiding place.
When cargo arrives in Australia or New Zealand, authorities may inspect shipments for BMSB and other biosecurity risks.
The consequences of an infestation can be significant. Both countries have strict biosecurity controls to protect their agricultural industries, environment and economy.
When does the 2026/27 BMSB season apply?
Australia
For Australia, the 2026/27 BMSB risk season runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027, inclusive.
Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) measures apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from designated target-risk countries when shipped during this period.
The on-board date shown on the Ocean Bill of Lading is used to determine when goods were shipped. A container’s gate-in date is not accepted for this purpose.
Certain vessels that berth, load or tranship in target-risk countries during the BMSB season can also be subject to seasonal vessel requirements.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) also operates a BMSB risk season from 1 September to 30 April.
For applicable target vehicles, machinery and parts, the measures apply when goods are exported on or after 1 September and arrive in New Zealand on or before 30 April.
MPI also has specific BMSB requirements for sea containers exported from Italy during the risk season.
Which shipments are affected?
Not every shipment to Australia or New Zealand automatically requires BMSB treatment.
The requirements depend on factors including:
- Country of manufacture
- Country of export or shipment
- Transit and transhipment arrangements
- Type of goods
- Whether the cargo is new or used
- Shipping method
- Applicable Australian or New Zealand biosecurity rules
- Whether the goods fall within a specified high-risk or target-risk category
For Australia, DAFF states that target high-risk goods shipped as sea cargo from target-risk countries during the BMSB season generally require mandatory treatment, subject to specific exemptions.
This is particularly important for businesses shipping machinery, vehicles, equipment, metal products and other goods that may provide hiding places for BMSB.
BMSB treatment requirements
Where treatment is mandatory, the cargo must be treated using an approved treatment method and in accordance with the applicable biosecurity requirements.
For Australia, approved BMSB treatment options include heat treatment, methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride, subject to the prescribed treatment conditions.
Australia has also introduced ethyl formate as a new onshore BMSB treatment option for the 2026/27 season.
For New Zealand, MPI provides approved treatment pathways and requires treatment to be carried out in accordance with its approved biosecurity treatment requirements. Depending on the commodity and applicable pathway, treatment may include offshore fumigation or heat treatment by an MPI-approved treatment provider.
Treatment certificates and documentation
Correct documentation is just as important as the physical treatment.
Where treatment is required, importers and exporters must make sure they have the correct BMSB treatment certificate and supporting documents. The documents must meet the requirements of the relevant destination country’s biosecurity authority.
For New Zealand, MPI requires importers to provide a treatment certificate from an MPI-approved treatment provider when the applicable BMSB treatment pathway requires one.
For Australia, DAFF can inspect cargo when it arrives and may require further biosecurity action if the shipment does not meet the requirements. To reduce the risk of delays and additional treatment costs, businesses should arrange BMSB treatment offshore before the cargo reaches Australia.
Always check the treatment requirements before you ship. The correct treatment and documentation can help prevent unnecessary delays, inspections and additional costs at destination.
What happens if BMSB requirements are not met?
Non-compliant cargo can face additional intervention at destination.
Depending on the circumstances, authorities may:
- Hold the shipment
- Inspect the cargo or container
- Require treatment
- Direct the cargo for onshore treatment
- Delay cargo clearance
- Apply additional biosecurity controls
- Create additional storage, handling and treatment costs
For LCL and FAK shipments entering Australia, BMSB risk can be managed at the container level before deconsolidation. Containers subject to BMSB controls may be placed on a seasonal pest hold and require the appropriate declarations before release.
In other words, a missing certificate or incorrect treatment can quickly turn into a costly logistics problem.
What should importers and exporters do?
If you are shipping cargo to Australia or New Zealand between September and April, we recommend checking BMSB requirements before the shipment is booked and before the cargo is loaded.
1. Check the country of origin and shipping route
Confirm whether your cargo originates from, or has been shipped through, a country covered by the relevant BMSB measures.
Transit and transhipment arrangements can affect the applicable requirements, so the complete routing should be reviewed rather than looking only at the final port of departure.
2. Check whether your goods are classified as target or high-risk goods
The commodity itself is important.
Machinery, vehicles, parts, metal products and other goods with potential pest-hiding places can fall within BMSB controls.
Do not assume that a shipment is exempt simply because similar cargo was not treated during another season.
3. Arrange treatment before shipment where required
If treatment is mandatory, use an approved treatment provider and ensure the correct treatment method and parameters are applied.
Where possible, offshore treatment can help reduce the risk of delays and additional treatment after arrival.
4. Obtain the correct treatment documentation
Make sure the relevant certificate and supporting documents are completed correctly and are available for the shipment.
Documentation should be checked before the vessel sails, not after the container arrives at destination.
5. Allow additional time during the BMSB season
Biosecurity inspections and treatment requirements can affect cargo clearance.
Allowing extra time in the supply chain is particularly important for machinery, vehicles, equipment and other cargo categories that may require intervention.
Don’t let a biosecurity issue become a shipping delay
BMSB compliance should be treated as part of your shipment planning, not something to deal with once the container reaches the destination port.
For importers, checking the BMSB requirements before purchasing goods can help avoid unexpected treatment, storage and clearance costs.
For exporters, confirming the requirements with your freight forwarder and treatment provider before loading can help prevent documentation problems and delays later in the journey.
If you are exporting to Australia or New Zealand between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027, speak to us before shipping. We can help check the applicable BMSB requirements for your cargo, origin, routing and destination and advise whether treatment and supporting documentation are required.
Important note
BMSB requirements can vary according to the commodity, country of origin, country of export, routing, shipping method and current biosecurity rules. Requirements may also be updated during the season.
Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority and your freight forwarder before shipment.