While many of the requirements are consistent across both countries, there are key differences that can significantly impact your shipments. Staying informed is the best way to ensure compliance and avoid costly delays or re-exports.

What’s New for the 2025–2026 Season?

• New Emerging Risk Countries: The Republic of Korea and Japan have been added to the list of emerging risk countries. Goods from these locations will be subject to random inspections.
• Air Freight Inspections: For the first time, target high-risk goods arriving as air freight from the United States of America and China will be subject to random inspections. No treatment is required for these goods.
• A New Treatment Option: Ethyl Formate has been approved as a new offshore-only treatment method for BMSB.
• New Scheme Name: The previous Offshore BMSB Treatment Provider Scheme is now known as the AusTreat Pre-border Treatment Provider Scheme.

Key Measures for Australia (2025–2026)

Measures will apply to all sea cargo shipped between September 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026 (inclusive). The "shipped-on-board" date on the Bill of Lading is the determining factor.

• Target High Risk Goods require mandatory treatment by an approved provider.
• Target Risk Goods are subject to random inspection but do not require mandatory treatment.
• Break Bulk Cargo (including flat racks and open tops) must be treated offshore before arrival. Untreated break bulk cargo will be denied discharge and directed for export.
• Containerised Cargo can be treated either offshore or onshore, but must be sealed within 120 hours of treatment completion (this rule is lifted after December 1, 2025).

For full details on the Australian measures, including a list of target goods and countries, please refer to the official DAFF resources.

Key Measures for New Zealand (2025–2026)

New Zealand's regulations apply to goods exported on or after September 1, 2025, that will arrive in New Zealand on or before April 30, 2026.

• Target Goods: The measures target new and used vehicles, machinery, and parts (VMP) from 38 risk countries, as well as all sea containers from Italy.
• Mandatory Offshore Treatment: All targeted goods must be treated with an MPI-approved treatment offshore before they arrive in New Zealand. There are no MPI-approved treatment providers in Australia.
• Exemption: An exemption may apply if target goods were loaded and sealed in a container before September 1, 2025, and exported before October 1, 2025, with documented proof.

For more information on the New Zealand requirements, visit the official MPI website.

Approved Treatment Methods

The approved treatments for the season are:

• Heat treatment
• Methyl bromide fumigation
• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation
• Ethyl Formate (NEW, offshore only)

The specific lists of target risk countries and tariff classifications for target goods can be found here.

At Woodland Group, we are committed to helping you navigate these complex regulations. Our team is fully updated on the latest requirements and can provide customised solutions to ensure your shipments are managed efficiently and in full compliance with the seasonal biosecurity measures.

Please reach out to your Woodland Group representative for tailored support.