From 31 July 2026, DAFF discontinued two alternative clearance pathways for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk goods: the BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme and the BMSB Rolled Goods Policy. Importers, freight forwarders and shipping lines that relied on either one now need to meet the standard BMSB seasonal measures, including mandatory treatment, for the 2026–27 risk season, which runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027.
What Is BMSB, and Why Does Australia Care?
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and has spread well beyond that over the past two decades, establishing itself across large parts of Europe and North America. It is a shield-shaped bug a couple of centimetres long, and on its own it is not much of a threat. The problem is what it eats: an enormous range of crops, including orchard fruit, grapes and vegetables, and everywhere it has established itself it has caused measurable agricultural damage. Australia does not have an established population, and DAFF’s seasonal measures exist to keep it that way.
The seasonal nature of these measures reflects the pest’s biology. BMSB is a hitchhiker species: as temperatures fall across the Northern Hemisphere between September and April, it seeks sheltered locations to overwinter, including shipping containers, vehicles, machinery and packaging. This is why the risk season aligns with the Northern Hemisphere winter rather than the Australian calendar, and why DAFF’s target risk countries are concentrated in Europe, North Asia and North America. The list reflects where BMSB populations are established and moving into cargo, not Australia’s usual trading partners.
What's Actually Changed
DAFF assessed inspection and detection data and found the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme and Rolled Goods Policy weren’t giving the same level of protection as the standard treatment and loading requirements. Both were discontinued from 31 July 2026, a month before the season itself starts on 1 September, providing enough time to adjust before goods are shipped under the new rules.
If you’ve relied on either pathway before, that option isn’t there this season. Every shipment now goes through the standard treatment and loading requirements, no exceptions.
Who This Affects
- Importers bringing in target high-risk goods from target risk countries during the risk season
- Freight forwarders and shipping lines managing BMSB-affected cargo, including break-bulk, flat-rack and open-top container shipments
- Anyone who previously used the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme or Rolled Goods Policy
What Happens If Goods Don't Comply
Goods that don’t meet the treatment and loading requirements face one of three outcomes: denied discharge, offshore re-treatment, or being directed back out of Australia. All three cost more and take longer than sorting treatment before the goods leave origin in the first place.
Key Dates and Requirements for 2026–27
- Risk season: target high-risk goods from target risk countries shipped between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027 (inclusive)
- Target risk countries and target high-risk goods: check DAFF’s current lists before booking. They’re reviewed each season and can shift year to year
- Random inspections: goods from emerging-risk countries, plus US and China airfreight, stay subject to random inspection all season
- Break-bulk cargo: target high-risk goods shipped as break-bulk, flat-rack or open-top containers still require mandatory offshore treatment before arrival. This requirement is unchanged for 2026–27
What Importers Should Do Now
If either pathway was part of your process before, sort this before you book your next shipment. Check your goods and origin country against DAFF’s current target-risk list, confirm your treatment provider is DAFF-approved, and build offshore treatment time into the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BMSB Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme?
It was an alternative clearance pathway that allowed certain importers to manage BMSB risk without going through the standard treatment and loading requirements. DAFF discontinued it from 31 July 2026 after finding it didn’t provide an equivalent level of biosecurity protection.
When does the 2026–27 BMSB risk season start?
The season applies to target high-risk goods from target risk countries shipped on a vessel between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027, inclusive.
What happens if my goods don't meet BMSB treatment requirements?
Non-compliant goods may be denied discharge, required to undergo offshore re-treatment, or directed for export from Australia. All three options add significant cost and delay compared with arranging treatment before the goods leave origin.
Does this affect all importers, or only certain goods?
It affects importers of target high-risk goods from target risk countries, as defined on DAFF’s current lists, plus anyone previously using the two discontinued pathways. Goods from emerging-risk countries and US/China airfreight remain subject to random inspection regardless.
Is break-bulk cargo treated differently?
Yes. Target high-risk goods shipped as break-bulk, flat-rack or open-top containers still require mandatory offshore treatment before arrival in Australia, and this requirement continues unchanged for 2026–27.