Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season 2026/27 in Australia
Australia’s BMSB season begins 1 September 2026
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has released the import requirements for the 2026/27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season.
The seasonal measures apply to certain goods manufactured in or shipped from designated BMSB target risk countries between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027, inclusive.
What does this mean for your shipments?
Importers of affected cargo should ensure that BMSB requirements are considered when planning shipments to Australia.
Target high-risk goods require mandatory BMSB treatment, while target risk goods may be subject to random inspection. Target high-risk goods must be treated for BMSB risk and the treatment provider must be listed as “approved” by DAFF.
The target high-risk categories include, among others:
- Wood and articles of wood
- Ceramic products
- Glass and glassware
- Iron and steel
- Articles of iron or steel
- Aluminium and other base metals
- Machinery and mechanical equipment
- Electrical machinery and equipment
- Vehicles and parts
- Ships and other vessels
For shipments originating from or transiting through affected countries, particular attention should be paid to the treatment and documentation requirements that apply to the shipment.
Break bulk and containerised cargo
Special attention is required for break bulk cargo, including cargo shipped on flat racks and in open-top containers.
Target high-risk break bulk cargo must be treated offshore before arrival in Australia. Untreated break bulk may be denied discharge or directed for export, and onshore treatment is not permitted.
For FCL/FCX cargo, onshore treatment may be permitted at container level. Cargo must remain within the sealed container until the BMSB risk has been managed. For BMSB purposes, onshore treatment is generally only available for cargo packed in a fully enclosed six-sided container. Flat racks and open-top containers are not considered six-sided containers.
Our advice
Bertling Logistics Australia will support you with shipment planning and the applicable BMSB requirements for your cargo to avoid delays, additional costs or potential export of cargo. Therefore, we recommend that customers:
- Review upcoming shipments to Australia against the BMSB requirements.
- Confirm whether the cargo falls within a target high-risk or target risk category.
- Arrange treatment with an approved provider where required.
- Ensure all required treatment certificates and supporting documentation are available.
- Pay particular attention to break bulk, flat rack and open-top container shipments.
Contact us:
BMSB requirements can have a direct impact on cargo planning, treatment costs and transit times. Early confirmation of the applicable requirements is therefore strongly recommended. More information is available on the DAFF Website: www.agriculture.gov.au.
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