Maritime industry and BMSB control: Securing shipments bound for Australia
The Australian Department of Agriculture has implemented a mandatory pest treatment requirement for certain goods groups being shipped to Australia and New Zealand by sea for the 2025/26 season. This measure aims to prevent the spread of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), an agricultural pest from Asia, which, though harmless to humans, can cause significant damage in agriculture by injecting toxic enzymes and transmitting plant pathogens.
Between September 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, goods from specified risk countries must undergo pest treatment by a specially certified and licensed fumigation company in the exporting country. Apart from Germany, other risk-origin countries designated by the Australian government include the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Italy.
S&A Service and Application Technology GmbH, a specialist in fumigations, heat treatments, and pressure pest control, is one of the few companies officially licensed and certified for BMSB pest treatment in Germany. The company offers full-service packages involving logistics, handling, storage, and shipping for container fumigation.
For Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments loaded in a consolidated container (FAK) to Australia, treatment should be done before shipping in Germany or Europe. On the other hand, for Full Container Load (FCL) containers, the prescribed treatment location can be either in Germany or Australia. Containers must be loaded onto the ship within 120 hours after land treatment, but this regulation only applies to Australia until December 1.
S&A's treatment methods for BMSB pest control include fumigation with a toxic fumigant (sulfuryl fluoride) and heat treatment, with heated halls available for reliable treatment even in winter. The company is also certified by the Australian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry for BMSB treatment.
It's essential to note that if no valid BMSB Treatment Certificate is presented, Australian authorities may order the destruction of goods or return shipment at the sender's expense. Goods affected by this regulation include wood, cork, aluminum, carpets, stones, glass, iron, steel products, among others.
S&A is part of the international Rentokil Initial Group, a leader in pest control and storage protection with operations in over 90 countries. With its expertise and commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, S&A Service and Application Technology GmbH is well-positioned to help businesses comply with the mandatory pest treatment requirements and ensure the safe and timely delivery of their goods to Australia and New Zealand.
