The Brown Marmorated Stinkbug—BMSB or stink bug—is a known pest in international shipping, particularly when shipping to Australia and New Zealand.

The BMSB can find its way inadvertently onto export shipments bound for Oceania, usually inside corrugated cartons or wood packaging, ocean containers, and breakbulk cargo. The bug feeds on many different plants and can severely damage fruits, vegetables and crops. If allowed to enter the country, it has the potential to wreak havoc on a country's agricultural industry.

The pest is so potentially damaging that both The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) and The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have a rigorous set of rules to prevent the introduction and spread of the threat.

Australia and New Zealand's seasonal measures for the 2021-2022 allow non-compliant cargo to be quarantined, fumigated near the port, refused entry, or possibly destroyed at cargo owners’ expense. Fumigation season for Australia and New Zealand began with sailings from September 1, 2021, and will continue through April 30, 2022. 

Which shipments are affected?
Goods that are classed as target risk goods are not required to be treated but are subject to onshore intervention through random inspections upon arrival. However, target high-risk commodities are mandated to be fumigated by the Australian Department of Agriculture and New Zealand’s MPI.

Breakbulk, Full Container Load (FCL) containers, and Freight of All Kinds (FAK) shipments from high-risk countries including the USA that contain high-risk commodities must be fumigated. For instance, New Zealand’s target commodities include new and used vehicles, machinery and parts. For more information on New Zealand’s BMSB requirements visit here. For Australia’s target high risk commodities, visit here.

How do I make preparations for my shipment?
Be sure to consult with a professional logistics partner to go over the latest BMSB rules and fees for compliance BEFORE making your shipping arrangements. It will be critical to provide your logistics company with packing slips and packing specifications in advance to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

How do I choose a freight logistics company?
If your goods fall under a target high-risk group and come from a target risk country, you should hire a consultative forwarder such as DGX-Dependable Global Express who constantly monitors the changes to the regulations, rules and fees regarding shipments to Australia (AU) and New Zealand (NZ) during the BMSB season.

DGX has a clear understanding of this pest and will ensure your shipments are properly packed and loaded to avoid delays, quarantine, extra charges, or even rejection and re-export. We assign you a dedicated sales agent upfront who will work with all of the agents, shippers, and consignees involved with your high-risk commodities on a case-by-case basis and will provide the necessary fumigation requirements.

Now more than ever, choosing the right logistics partner is crucial for success. For more information, call us at (888) 488-4888 Ext. 2011, or email us.