NZ importers: Know the BMSB requirements this risk season

What's new this BMSB risk season?

1st August 2025

• Addition of Republic of Korea and Japan to the emerging risk countries list.
• Target high risk goods arriving as airfreight from United States of America and China will be subject to random inspections.
• Addition of a NEW offshore BMSB treatment option Ethyl Formate.
• New application process for the BMSB in-transit and rolled policy.

Reference: Brown marmorated stink bugs seasonal measures - Australia

Key dates for BMSB risk season?

The BMSB risk season officially begins on 1 September 2025. The measures apply to target goods that are exported on or after this date. The season concludes on 30 April 2026.

Key requirements for NZ importers include:

• Reducing storage times of goods.
• Segregating goods to prevent contamination.
• Applying chemical treatments before export from the country of origin.

MPI also conducts inspections on specific goods to ensure compliance.

Who needs to prepare for BMSB risk?

Importers of new and used vehicles, machinery, and parts from the 38 BMSB-risk countries are required to prepare. The measures also apply to sea containers originating from Italy. Additionally, vessels that berth, load, or tranship from these target risk countries between September 1st and April 30th are subject to the measures.

Ensure compliance with your imports this BMSB risk season

Importers must apply for a biosecurity clearance and provide supporting documentation. MPI inspects specific goods arriving from risk countries throughout the season. Non-compliant cargo, particularly break-bulk, may be directed for re-export with no allowances.

Importers and the public are also obligated to report any sightings of the pest to MPI.

Treatment

All treatments must be carried out before arrival in New Zealand by an MPI-approved offshore treatment provider.

Goods treated by an unapproved provider will be re-exported or treated onshore if permitted.

Exemptions

There are specific exemptions from the BMSB management requirements. Certain new, unused, and not field-tested (NUFT) goods—such as new machinery, jet skis, parts, tyres, and smaller vehicle types (e.g., ATVs, motorcycles)—are exempt from treatment if they are stored indoors, exported in a fully enclosed container, and a signed manufacturer's declaration is submitted to MPI before arrival.

Additionally, goods packed and sealed in a container before 1 September and exported before 1 October may also be exempt, provided evidence of sealing is provided.

Are NZ and Australia aligned in their BMSB management measures?

While New Zealand and Australia have aligned their BMSB management measures in areas like risk countries and approved treatment providers, some key differences exist.

It's important to note that the Australian measures are for goods imported into Australia, and Australia will not perform BMSB treatments for goods transshipping to New Zealand.

References: - as at 25/08/2025

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) requirements for importers ( Last reviewed: 15.05.24, by MPI)
• Brown marmorated stink bugs seasonal measures - Australia (Last reviewed 01/08/2025)

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