Australia’s 2026–27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season begins on 1 September, bringing additional biosecurity requirements for certain goods shipped to Australia. Businesses should review upcoming shipments now to understand whether their goods are affected and what measures may be required.

The 2026–27 BMSB season runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027 inclusive, with measures applying to relevant goods shipped during this period, based on the shipping date shown on the Ocean Bill of Lading.

While BMSB measures are an established annual requirement, failure to identify affected shipments and meet the relevant requirements can result in additional inspections, treatment, delays and, in some circumstances, cargo being re-exported.

What is BMSB and why does it matter?

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive agricultural pest capable of causing significant damage to crops and the wider environment.

To reduce the risk of the pest entering Australia, seasonal biosecurity measures apply to certain goods manufactured in or shipped from countries identified as presenting a BMSB risk.

For exporters, this makes it important to understand where goods originate, how they are classified and whether treatment or other biosecurity measures are required before shipment.

Full details are available in the Australian Government’s BMSB seasonal measures guidance.

Which goods may be affected?

Australia identifies a range of goods as target high-risk goods for BMSB purposes.

These cover a broad range of industrial and manufactured products, including:

• Machinery and mechanical equipment
• Electrical machinery and equipment
• Vehicles and vehicle parts
• Iron, steel and other metal products
• Tools and hardware
• Construction and building materials
• Certain wood, cork, glass and ceramic products
• Aircraft, ships and associated parts

The requirements are determined by tariff classification as well as the country in which goods are manufactured or shipped from.

Which countries are affected?

The 2026–27 measures identify numerous target risk countries, including the United States, Canada and a significant number of European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Türkiye.

The United Kingdom, China, Japan and Republic of Korea are identified separately as emerging risk countries. Goods shipped from these countries during the BMSB season may be selected for random onshore inspection in Australia.

Customers can check the complete and current requirements through the Australian Government’s BMSB seasonal measures guidance.

Treatment requirements

Where treatment is required, offshore BMSB treatment must be carried out by an appropriately approved provider and supported by the required treatment documentation.

The permitted treatment methods include heat treatment and approved fumigation methods. There are also specific rules governing when treated cargo must be shipped or sealed, depending on the treatment date and type of cargo.

Businesses can find further information about offshore treatment requirements and registered providers through the Australian Government’s AusTreat pre-border treatment provider scheme.

Requirements also vary between containerised, break bulk, LCL/FAK and air freight shipments, making it important to establish the appropriate approach before cargo moves.

What should exporters do now?

With the new season approaching, businesses shipping goods to Australia should review planned movements early.

Consider:

• Checking whether your goods fall within a target high-risk category
• Confirming whether the origin or shipping country is subject to BMSB measures
• Establishing whether treatment is required before shipment
• Ensuring any required treatment uses an approved provider
• Checking that the necessary certification and shipping documentation are in place
• Allowing additional time within shipment planning where inspections or treatment may apply

Further practical information is available in the Australian Government’s guidance on preparing goods for import during BMSB season.

Early assessment can help reduce the risk of unexpected costs, cargo holds and disruption once goods are already in transit.

Changes for the 2026–27 season

Exporters familiar with previous BMSB seasons should also be aware that requirements continue to evolve.

For the 2026–27 season, the information supplied to Woodland highlights the removal of the Rolled Goods Policy and the Safeguarding Scheme, alongside changes to alternative clearance pathways.

The Australian Government has published further information through its 2026 Import Industry Advice notices, including Notice 130-2026 covering changes to BMSB alternative clearance pathways for the 2026–27 season.

Businesses should therefore avoid assuming that arrangements used for previous seasons will automatically remain appropriate for upcoming shipments.

How Woodland Group can help

Navigating seasonal biosecurity requirements can add another layer of complexity to Australian exports.

Woodland Group can work with customers to understand their shipment profile, determine whether goods may be affected by BMSB requirements and help plan the appropriate freight and compliance approach ahead of shipment.

If you currently export to Australia or are planning shipments during the 2026–27 season, speak to our team before your goods move.