News

Definition of Stink Bug (BMSB);

The brown marmorated stink bug is a sucking insect that uses its proboscis to pierce plants, to feed. Consequently, it causes the formation of dimpled or dead areas on the outer surface of fruits. Additionally, it can cause leaf stippling, seed loss, and possible transmission of plant pathogens. It is an agricultural pest that can severely damage fruit & vegetable crops. The stink bug earned its name from the appalling odour it releases when its crushed or when it feels like it is in danger. Although they do not pose a threat to the human wellbeing, they multiply extremely fast & are considerably annoying to get rid of.

Further to our previous updates on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, there have been further developments in recent weeks.

New countries added as ‘emerging BMSB risk countries’

• Austria
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Turkey

To contain the risk, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, is undertaking a lower rate of random onshore inspections. These countries do not currently require mandatory treatment.

New countries being ‘monitored’

• China
• Japan
• Korea
• Canada
• Chile

Cargo from the above will now be monitored through random inspections in order to address any presence of BMSB.

Countries identified as ‘high risk’ are still:

• USA
• Germany
• Italy
• France
• Russia
• Hungary
• Romania
• Georgia

High risk goods continue to include goods likely to be stored in a manner that provides access for BMSB to overwinter. Additional ‘target risk’ goods of medium risk include chemical products, salt, minerals, fertilisers, plastics, wadding, tyres, wood pulp, printed matter, straw, paper and cardboard.

Any cargo arriving from or manufactured in the above-mentioned countries, without prior fumigation and considered to be ‘high risk’, should expect delays due to higher surveillance and fumigation measures.

However, Break Bulk shipments cannot be fumigated on-shore. If arriving without prior fumigation, these will be ordered to be exported or destroyed.

If your cargo has been identifies as a carrier of such biosecurity threat, your treatment options include;

• Heat treatment
• Methyl Bromide fumigation
• Sulfuryl Fluoride fumigation

Please refer to the list of approved offshore BMSB treatment providers who have been given the authority to carry out treatment.

In order to protect your freight, it is vital that you read thoroughly through the new brown marmorated bug measures and target risk goods document, released by the Department of the Agriculture.

Note: BTi Logistics offers fumigation services at their warehousing facilities