Seasonal measures and customs requirements for ocean cargo shipments
If you are planning an ocean freight shipment to Australia or New Zealand, complying with seasonal measures against the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a fundamental requirement to avoid severe container delays, heavy fines, or the outright rejection of your cargo at the port of entry.
Every year, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforce strict biosecurity protocols for target goods manufactured in or shipped from countries classified as a risk.
BMSB Seasonal Measures: When Do They Apply?
The BMSB risk period is enforced annually and generally applies to goods shipped via ocean freight between September 1st and April 30th (inclusive) of the following year.
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Shipped on Board Date: The “Shipped on Board” date indicated on the Bill of Lading (B/L) is the sole official date used to determine whether your cargo is subject to the treatment mandate.
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Gate-In Timestamps: Please note that “gate-in” dates and times at the port terminal are not accepted by customs authorities as proof of the shipment date.
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Vessel Requirements: These measures apply both to targeted goods and to any vessels that berth, load, or tranship from designated target risk countries during the specified seasonal window.
Target Risk Countries and Approved Fumigation Treatments
Customs and biosecurity authorities continuously monitor international trade routes. Countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and China are historically included in the list of high or emerging risk target countries, making inspection and treatment mandatory for goods originating from these territories.
Approved Biosecurity Treatments
Before the container arrives in Australia or New Zealand, goods must undergo specific treatments conducted exclusively by internationally accredited and registered treatment providers. The three official approved methods are:
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Heat Treatment
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Methyl Bromide Fumigation
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Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation
Failure to present the correct fumigation certificate or utilizing an uncertified provider will result in a discharge ban and an order for the immediate re-export of the container.
Manage Your Shipments to Oceania with Complete Peace of Mind
BMSB regulations are highly technical, strict, and subject to periodic updates by Australian and New Zealand authorities while the season is underway. Managing container sealing timeframes and coordinating certificates requires meticulous attention to detail.
To consult the official guidelines and the latest updated lists of restricted goods, you can visit the dedicated institutional portal: agriculture.gov.au/bmsb.
Do you need to organize a shipment from Italy/Europe to Australia or New Zealand and want to guarantee the customs compliance of your cargo?
