BMSB season requires early planning

It is only about 15 millimetres in size but means a considerable additional effort for container shipping to Australia and New Zealand. As the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) causes crop damage, strict import regulations have been in force again in both countries since the beginning of September. Dirk Haarhaus, Regional Director Oceania at a. hartrodt in Milperra near Sydney, refers to a new challenge posed by the BMSB: “The target risk countries have been expanded from nine to 32.” The new regulations have been introduced in both countries since the beginning of September. There are new target risk countries with which the German economy is closely intertwined - for example Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Target high risk goods

The BMSB attaches itself to goods and packaging in containers as well as vehicles and machines. Target high risk goods such as wood, tools or electrical machinery must therefore be treated with gas or heat. This is mandatory if the goods are shipped as break bulk/ro-ro, in open top or on flatrack containers.

FCL/LCL in enclosed containers may also be treated in Australia/New Zealand. New machinery, vehicles, vessels or complete parts manufactured after 1 December 2019 do not require treatment for BMSB. “Documents that prove the origin of the goods are important,” emphasises Haarhaus in this context.

Trade lane Australia/New Zealand

For sea freight, a. hartrodt organises fumigation or heat treatment at approved BMSB treatment providers. In Germany, however, the possibilities are limited and comparatively expensive. At a. hartrodt in Hamburg, ten experts for the Australia/New Zealand trade lane are each looking for the best and most cost-effective shipping option.

Haarhaus recommends to book shipments 14 working days in advance. Important note: “Plastic foil or impermeable packaging are not permitted for fumigation.”

While in Australia the season for incoming imports ends on 31 May 2020, in New Zealand the end date is 30 April 2020. a. hartrodt's approximately 160 employees in Australia are familiar with the details. The regional headquarters in Milperra is also responsible for New Zealand.