End of Stink Bug Season Means Potential Savings on Fumigation

The 2024/2025 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season is coming to a close as of May 2025 presenting a crucial window of opportunity for importers to save on potential fumigation costs. Gateway Cargo urges businesses to act now and ship their goods to avoid stringent BMSB management requirements.

Understanding the BMSB Risk Season

New Zealand's BMSB risk season officially commences on September 1st. This impacts targeted vehicles, machinery, and parts shipped on or after this date, arriving in New Zealand on or before April 30th.

Exception for Sealed Containers

Consignments loaded into fully enclosed containers, sealed before September 1st and exported before October 1st, may be exempt from BMSB management. However, this requires photographic evidence of the seal, date-stamped photos, and screenshots of gated-in dates.

To utilise this exception, provide the seal number and a date-stamped photo as proof of container sealing. Refer to the Import Health Standard for detailed requirements.

No significant updates for the 2024/2025 season

New Zealand's BMSB process remains largely unchanged. 

Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are a serious pest for agriculture and horticulture and can be a social nuisance. We don't want them in New Zealand. If you're importing vehicles, machinery, or parts, check the requirements that may apply to you. You can find official requirements on the MPI website here: Brown marmorated stink bug: requirements for importing vehicles, machinery, and parts

Target Risk Countries and BMSB Management

Vehicles, machinery, parts, and new tires from listed target risk countries, exported on or after September 1st, or used/stored in those countries for over 5 days before loading, and arriving in NZ by April 30th, are subject to BMSB management. Utilise MPI's online tool to identify target risk cargo here: IHS requirements tool for vehicles, machinery, and parts

Importers can use this tool to quickly check the biosecurity requirements for importing vehicles, machinery, or parts.

Sea Cargo from Italy

Italy is a high-risk Schedule 3 country. All vehicles, machinery, and parts (including new tires) from Italy require offshore treatment as per the MPI SEACO Import Health Standard, with limited exemptions for sensitive goods.

A BMSB Treatment Certificate from an approved provider is mandatory.

LCL Treatment

LCL cargo is treated before shipping unless it's designated as sensitive and unsuitable for Sulfuryl Fluoride Treatment.

Sensitive goods include agricultural compounds, food, fresh produce, live animals, and pharmaceuticals, among others:

• Agricultural Compounds and veterinary medicines
• Food for human consumption (including beverages)
• Fresh produce
• Frozen food products
• Live animals leather goods (apparel and furniture)
• Pet food
• Pharmaceutical products
• Polyurethane foam products bales
• Refrigerated goods
• Seed for sowing
• Textiles (including yarn)

LCL treatment certificates are generally not required for submission unless specifically requested.

MPI Guidelines for Loading FCL

MPI recommends providing at least 200mm of space around container contents for effective treatment.

Insufficient space may lead to container rejection and reshipment.

No BACC, No Discharge

Freight from Schedule 3 countries cannot be discharged without a processed Biosecurity Authority Clearance Certificate (BACC).

Processing Time Frames

MPI has increased staffing to reduce BACC processing times. Expect shorter processing times compared to previous seasons.

How Gateway Cargo Can Help

Navigating the complexities of the BMSB season can be challenging. Gateway Cargo provides expert guidance and support to ensure your shipments comply with all MPI requirements. We can help you:

• Understand the latest regulations.
• Ensure proper documentation and treatment.
• Minimise delays and costs.

Contact Gateway Cargo today to streamline your shipping process and avoid unnecessary fumigation expenses.