Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season 2026–2027 is Almost Here

As we approach the start of the 2026–2027 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, Stockwells would like to remind clients to begin reviewing their import and supply chain arrangements ahead of the upcoming measures.

While the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has not yet released the final seasonal requirements, industry advice indicates that no significant changes are currently expected to the existing BMSB framework.

Why BMSB Matters

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a serious biosecurity threat to Australia. Native to East Asia, this invasive pest can cause significant damage to agriculture, horticulture and the environment if introduced and established within Australia.

During the northern hemisphere autumn and winter months, BMSB commonly seeks shelter in cargo, shipping containers, machinery, vehicles and other imported goods. This creates a heightened risk of the pest being transported internationally and arriving in Australia undetected.

Australia's seasonal BMSB programme has been highly effective in preventing incursions through a combination of offshore treatment requirements, inspections and strict import controls. These measures play a vital role in protecting Australian industries and minimising the potential economic impact of an outbreak.

Time to Prepare

Although the final 2026–2027 requirements are yet to be announced, now is the ideal time for importers to prepare by:

• Reviewing current BMSB management processes and procedures.
• Engaging with overseas suppliers regarding treatment requirements.
• Identifying shipments that may be impacted by BMSB measures.
• Confirming treatment providers are approved by DAFF.
• Planning shipping schedules early to avoid treatment and booking capacity constraints.
• Monitoring industry and departmental updates for the final seasonal arrangements.

Key Measures Expected for the 2026–2027 Season

Based on current advice from DAFF, the following core elements of the BMSB programme are expected to remain unchanged:

Season Dates

The BMSB risk season is expected to apply to target high-risk goods from target risk countries shipped by sea between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027 (inclusive).

Target Risk Countries and High-Risk Goods

No changes are currently anticipated to the list of target risk countries or target high-risk goods.

Random Inspections

Goods from emerging risk countries, along with airfreight consignments originating from the United States and China, are expected to remain subject to random inspections throughout the season.

Mandatory Offshore Treatment

Target high-risk goods shipped as breakbulk cargo, including flat-rack and open-top containers, are expected to continue requiring mandatory offshore treatment prior to arrival in Australia.

Stay Informed

Stockwells will continue to monitor announcements from DAFF and provide updates as soon as the final 2026–2027 BMSB seasonal measures are released.

If you have upcoming shipments that may be affected by BMSB requirements, please contact the Stockwells team to discuss your treatment, documentation and scheduling requirements.

Due to ongoing low water levels along the Rhine River, barge operators have reduced the amount of cargo that can be safely loaded onto vessels. In line with standard industry practice, low water surcharges are being applied by barge operators to offset the resulting operational constraints.

As these circumstances are outside the control of carriers and constitute a force majeure event, the applicable low water surcharges will be passed on to cargo owners for all affected barge and barge-road transport movements.

Effective Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the following low water surcharges apply.

Please note:

• These surcharges apply only to barge and barge-road pre-carriage and on-carriage movements between the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam and destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland via the Rhine River.
• Feeder services between Antwerp and Rotterdam are not affected.
• The Rhine River is divided into several sections, with surcharges determined by water levels at the relevant measuring points.

Kaub Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.50 – 0.41 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €775 per 20ft container
• €930 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Mainz / Ginsheim-Gustavsburg
• Frankfurt am Main
• Stuttgart
• Trier
• Mannheim
• Germersheim
• Wörth am Rhein
• Karlsruhe
• Strasbourg
• Kehl
• Ottmarsheim
• Basel

Cologne (Köln) Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.95 – 0.86 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €260 per 20ft container
• €340 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Cologne (Köln)
• Bonn
• Andernach
• Koblenz

Duisburg-Ruhrort Measuring Point

Current draft: 1.80 – 1.71 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €151 per 20ft container
• €197 per 40ft container

Affected terminals:

• Duisburg
• Neuss

Emmerich Measuring Point

Current draft: 0.30 – 0.21 m

Applicable surcharge:

• €85 per 20ft container
• €150 per 40ft container

Affected terminal:

• Emmerich

Hengelo (IJssel River)

While water levels in the IJssel River are also declining, no low water surcharge is currently being applied to transport movements via Hengelo.