If you import vehicles, machinery or parts from Europe, the US or parts of Asia, you have probably heard your forwarder mention BMSB season. Here is what stink bug season actually means for New Zealand importers, why it exists, and what it changes for your cargo between September and April.
What is BMSB?
The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is native to Asia and has spread to North America and Europe. It feeds on more than 300 plant species, and MPI warns that if it established here it could decimate New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable industries. It is also a household nuisance: in autumn and winter, thousands of bugs can enter houses to shelter from the cold.
That sheltering habit is why BMSB travels so well in freight. As the Northern Hemisphere cools, the bugs look for places to overwinter, and vehicles, machinery and parts make ideal hiding spots. MPI says the highest risk of contamination is generally from October to December.
When is BMSB season in New Zealand?
The 2026-27 BMSB risk season begins on 1 September 2026. The measures apply to target goods exported on or after that date which arrive in New Zealand on or before 30 April 2027. MPI runs the measures every year, aligned as closely as possible with Australia’s DAFF, and can amend them mid-season based on detections.
The measures are working. Over the 2025-26 season, Biosecurity New Zealand detected 62 live BMSB (a provisional figure), and MPI reports offshore treatment requirements continue to reduce the risk.
Which imports do the BMSB requirements apply to?
- New and used target vehicles, machinery and parts exported from a BMSB risk country during the season.
- Sea containers exported from Italy during the season.
There are 38 BMSB risk countries, listed in schedule 3 of MPI’s Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Parts. Vessels that berth at, load or tranship from risk countries during the season are also subject to seasonal measures. Some new vehicles, machinery and parts can be excluded where they are stored indoors, exported in a fully enclosed container and covered by a signed manufacturer’s declaration, so check the import health standard for your specific goods. See MPI’s BMSB requirements for importers for the full detail.
How do you meet the BMSB treatment requirements?
MPI offers two options: treatment before the cargo arrives in New Zealand, or management under an MPI-approved system that controls BMSB risk through the supply chain. Treatment must be carried out by a provider approved under the joint MPI and DAFF Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme, using one of the approved methods at MPI’s published rates:
- Heat treatment
- Methyl bromide fumigation
- Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation
After treatment, goods must meet MPI’s post-treatment conditions, including segregation from untreated cargo and reduced storage times, so they are not recontaminated before export. Target goods that arrive untreated, or treated by an unapproved provider, can be directed for export on arrival. That means reshipping at the importer’s cost, plus the delay.
BMSB checklist for importers
- Check the dates. Goods exported before 1 September or arriving after 30 April fall outside the season.
- Confirm your goods and origin. Is it a target vehicle, machinery or parts item, and is it coming from one of the 38 risk countries or in a sea container from Italy?
- Use an approved treatment provider. Treatment by an unregistered provider does not count.
- Keep treated goods segregated and minimise storage time before loading.
- Make sure the paperwork travels with the goods and matches the consignment.
How Sneddens can help during BMSB season
As an independent forwarder, Sneddens can choose the right agent for each shipment rather than working through a fixed branch network. During BMSB season, that means:
- Importing machinery or vehicles from Europe mid-season: we check whether your goods are in scope, then work with our overseas agents to have treatment booked with an approved provider before loading.
- Bringing in a container from Italy: we make sure the container-level requirements are covered before it sails.
- Timing a shipment around the season: we help you plan sailings so goods that can move before 1 September or after 30 April avoid the measures altogether.
- Getting the paperwork right: we check treatment certificates and declarations line up with the consignment before it leaves.
New to importing? Read our importing guide. Importing during BMSB season? Talk to Sneddens before you book. Call 0800 76 33 33 or request a free quote.