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As we approach the commencement of the 2026-27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been liaising with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to determine whether any changes are planned for this year's measures.
WHY BMSB MATTERS
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is more than just a nuisance pest. Native to East Asia, it poses a significant biosecurity threat to Australian agriculture, horticulture, and the environment. During the northern hemisphere autumn and winter months, these insects seek shelter in cargo, shipping containers, machinery, vehicles and other goods, creating a pathway for accidental introduction into Australia.
Since the commencement of Australia's seasonal BMSB programme, rigorous offshore treatment and inspection measures have played a critical role in preventing establishment of the pest, protecting Australian industries and reducing the long-term economic impact that an incursion could cause.
TIME TO PREPARE
Although the formal measures have not yet been released, now is the perfect time for members to: - Review existing BMSB processes.
- Engage with overseas suppliers regarding treatment requirements.
- Identify shipments that may be affected by BMSB measures.
- Confirm treatment providers are approved by the department.
- Plan booking schedules early to avoid capacity constraints as the season approaches.
- Monitor departmental communications for the final 2026-27 arrangements.
Based on advice received from DAFF, no changes are currently anticipated to the core elements of the seasonal measures, including:
- Season Dates - The 2026-2027 BMSB risk season will apply to target high-risk goods from target risk countries shipped on board a vessel between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027 (inclusive)
- Target risk countries and target high-risk goods - No changes are currently anticipated.
- Random inspections - Goods from emerging risk countries, together with airfreight consignments from the United States and China, will continue to be subject to random inspections throughout the season.
- Mandatory offshore treatment - Target high-risk goods shipped as break bulk cargo, including flat rack and open top containers, will continue to require mandatory offshore treatment before arrival in Australia.
FTA strongly encourages members to subscribe to departmental notifications to ensure they receive updates as soon as the final 2026-27 BMSB seasonal measures are announced.
FTA will continue to engage with DAFF and will provide members with a summary of the final arrangements following publication of the official 2026-27 BMSB measures, expected in late July / early August.
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