Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season 2024-2025: What to Expect and How to Prepare - Broekman Logistics
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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season 2024-2025: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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As the 2024-2025 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season approaches, both Australia and New Zealand are intensifying their efforts to prevent this invasive pest from disrupting their ecosystems and economies.

The increased border inspection and processing times, quarantine measures, import regulations, and regulated transportation routes are part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the BMSB. While these measures are essential to protect local agriculture, they can also pose significant challenges to the supply chain, especially for industries dealing with vehicles, machinery, and other agricultural products.

Understanding the BMSB Threat

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, originally from Asia, has expanded its territory across North America and Europe, and now poses a significant threat to Australia and New Zealand. This pest is particularly problematic because it not only damages fruit and vegetable crops during warmer months but also seeks shelter in various environments as temperatures drop. These environments range from natural ecosystems to man-made structures like attics, crawl spaces, vehicles, and factories. Understanding the complexities of BMSB infestations is crucial for global supply chains. As Tomas van der Maarel, Business Development Manager General Cargo, notes, “The dual threat of crop damage and infestation in storage and transport facilities makes the BMSB a formidable adversary. Our strategic planning must account for these risks to maintain seamless operations.”

Seasonal Measures and Regulations

Both Australia and New Zealand have implemented stringent measures to tackle the BMSB season, effective for goods shipped from September 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. Goods classified as “target high-risk” and “target risk” will be subject to rigorous inspections and possible onshore treatment upon arrival in these territories. This is particularly crucial for vessels docking, loading, or transshipping from designated risk countries.

Target High-Risk Goods

The following goods fall under the target high-risk category and are subject to increased scrutiny:

All tariffs under the following chapters are categorised as Target High Risk Goods:

36 – Explosives; pryotechnic products; matches, pryophoric alloys

44 – Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal

45 – Cork and articles of cork

57 – Carpets and other textile floor coverings

68 – Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials

69 – Ceramic products, including sub chapters I and II

70 – Glass and glass ware

72 – Iron and steel – including sub chapters I, II, III, IV

73 – Articles of iron or steel

74 – Copper and articles thereof

75 – Nickel and articles thereof

76 – Aluminium and articles thereof

78 – Lead and articles thereof

79 – Zinc and articles thereof

80 – Tin and articles thereof

81 – Other base metals; cermet; articles thereof

82 – Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal

83 – Miscellaneous articles of base metals

84 – Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances

85 – Electrical machinery and equipment; sound recorders and reproducers

86 – Railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock; track fixtures, fitting; mechanicals

87 – Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof

88 – Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof

89 – Ships, boats and floating structures

93 – Arms and ammunition; parts

Goods in this category do not require mandatory treatment but will undergo random inspection upon arrival. If BMSB is detected, the goods will be directed for onshore treatment.

How to prepare for the BMSB Season

Preparing for the BMSB season requires detailed planning and collaboration. Tomas van der Maarel emphasises, “Acting towards the BMSB regulations is no small feat. It demands thorough advance planning and the right partnerships. By collaborating with experienced logistics providers like us, businesses can not only ensure compliance but also maintain the integrity of their supply chains. Our expertise in handling complex regulations and our proactive approach to inspection and treatment help mitigate potential disruptions, allowing our clients to focus on their core operations without interruption.”

Other proactive steps must be taken:

  • To minimise disruptions and ensure compliance with Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your suppliers and logistics partners to stay updated on any regulatory changes or procedural updates.
  • Inspection and Treatment: Consider pre-inspection and treatment options in the country of origin to reduce delays upon arrival.

Conclusion

The BMSB season presents significant challenges, but with proper planning and compliance, disruptions can be minimised. By understanding the regulations and working closely with experienced logistics partners, such as Broekman Logistics, businesses can navigate this complex landscape and ensure their products reach their destinations safely and efficiently. Stay informed, stay prepared, and safeguard your supply chain against the BMSB threat.

Contact our expert to guide you through BMSB season 2024-2025

Tomas van der Maarel

Manager Business Development
+31620021614