Australia 2024-25 BMSB Season Measures

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has confirmed that the 2024-25 BMSB (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug) seasonal measures will apply to specific goods manufactured and shipped from high-risk countries between 1 September 2024 and 30 April 2025. These measures also extend to vessels that berth, load, or tranship in these countries during the same period.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a significant threat, ranked 9th on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pests list. It poses a serious risk to the agricultural sectors of Australia and New Zealand, as it feeds on around 300 plant species, causing severe damage to fruit and vegetable crops.

Important Note: The date goods are shipped is determined by the shipped-on-board date on the Bill of Lading. “Gate in” dates and times will not be accepted.

Key Updates

• Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea will be subject to heightened vessel surveillance.

• China and the United Kingdom have been identified as emerging BMSB risk countries. Goods from these countries may be randomly selected for onshore inspection:
• China: Random inspections will occur from 1 September to 31 December.
• United Kingdom: Random inspections will take place from 1 December to 30 April.

DAFF will continuously review these measures and may adjust them as needed during the season based on BMSB detections.

• Goods classified as Target High Risk—including break bulk, open top (including in-gauge), flat rack, and modified FCL containers—must undergo mandatory offshore treatment.
• AusTreat is the new treatment scheme that all offshore providers must comply with for the 2024-25 season. Learn more about AusTreat.
• Untreated break bulk cargo and modified FCL containers will be directed for export and treated offshore.

1. Target High Risk Goods - These goods fall under specific tariff classifications and require mandatory treatment to mitigate BMSB risks.
2. Target Risk Goods - These goods also fall under specific tariff classifications but do not require mandatory treatment. However, they will be subject to increased onshore inspections through random checks.

For more detailed information, including BMSB fact sheets, BMSB resources hub, and documentary evidence templates for exclusions, please click here.

Please be aware that Maersk does not monitor shipments for BMSB compliance. It is the responsibility of the Shipper/Consignee to ensure that their cargo meets all BMSB requirements.

All open tops, flat racks, and OOG cargo that fail to comply with BMSB measures will be retained on board, returned to the origin, or sent for transhipment and fumigation. All associated costs will be borne by the customer.

If you have any questions regarding the 2024-25 BMSB seasonal measures for Australia and New Zealand, please contact your Maersk representative.