Client Notice: BMSB Season 2025-2026 – Australia

To Our Valued Clients,

Please be aware that BMSB season is fast approaching so please take note of the following:

  1. BMSB Seasonal Risk Period
  • Australia requires mandatory treatment or heightened inspection for specific goods shipped from 1 September 2025 to 30 April 2026 (inclusive). This applies to goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship in those countries.

 

  1. Target Countries & Commodity Categories
  • Target risk countries include (but are not limited to): Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan (heightened surveillance only), Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States, Uzbekistan, and more.
  • Target high-risk goods span multiple HS chapters, including:
    • Wood, cork, ceramics, glass, metals (iron, steel, copper, aluminum, etc.)
    • Machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, aircraft, ships, and related parts
  • Target risk goods (subject only to random inspection) include commodities like chemicals, paper products, plastics, rubber, and printed materials

 

  1. Treatment & Cargo Handling Guidelines
  • Break-bulk shipments, including open-top or flat-rack containers, must undergo OFFSHORE treatment only. Untreated cargo will be turned back or re-exported on arrival
  • Sealed FCL containers with target high-risk goods may be treated either offshore or onshore at the container level
  • LCL/FAK containers should be treated offshore where possible, though onshore treatment is permitted when necessary
  • A 120-hour post-treatment window applies for offshore treated goods before export, except for goods treated from 1 December 2025 onward, where this window is lifted

 

  1. Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme
  • The DAFF Safeguarding Arrangements scheme provides an alternative clearance pathway by permitting some sealed container shipments to avoid mandatory fumigation—provided stringent mitigation and contingency plans are in place and approved Dept of Ag, Fisheries & Forestry.
  • Requirements include:
    • Submission of a Mitigation & Contingency Plan.
    • Importer declarations and supply chain audits.
    • Biosecurity awareness training and imagery documentation of each site in the chain.
    • Applications open 28 July 2025 to 30 January 2026 Dept of Ag, Fisheries & Forestry.

 

  1. Key Updates & New Developments

Recommended Actions

Action Item Suggested Steps
Identify affected shipments Review all upcoming cargo with HS codes and origins that fall under target categories.
Plan treatment logistics Arrange offshore treatment well ahead of shipment; for break-bulk, it is mandatory.
Consider Safeguarding scheme If suitable, apply by 30 January 2026 to potentially bypass mandatory treatment.
Attend industry sessions Encourage treatment providers and brokers to participate in the DAFF AusTreat sessions.
Ensure documentation readiness Confirm treatment certificates, declarations, audits, and training are in order.
Coordinate with brokers Confirm shipping windows, certification timelines, and regulatory updates.

 

Summary

The 2025–2026 BMSB season runs from 1 September 2025 to 30 April 2026. High-risk goods from designated countries must follow rigorous treatment and inspection protocols. Utilize DAFF’s Safeguarding scheme where possible and ensure all operations are timely, compliant, and fully documented to avoid delays and extra costs.

Kind Regards,

SILA Team

by SilaAdmin