- 12 August 2025
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Season 2025-2026
Australia's strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect its unique environment from invasive pests, and one of the key players in this effort is the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme. This program offers a streamlined clearance pathway for goods shipped in hard six-sided containers from risk countries during the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, running from 1 September to 30 April.
What is the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme?
The Scheme has been specifically developed to minimize the risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and other exotic pests from entering and establishing themselves in Australia. It offers importers a significant opportunity to showcase the effectiveness of their manufacturing and supply chain processes in preventing contamination by these pests. By participating in the Scheme, importers can demonstrate that their goods are thoroughly inspected and free from BMSB before export. If their application is approved, this means that their goods can bypass the mandatory BMSB treatments required upon arrival in Australia, provided they meet the necessary criteria of being pest-free prior to export. This process not only facilitates smoother importation but also helps in maintaining strict biosecurity standards.
Key Requirements and Application Process
For the 2025–26 BMSB risk season, applications open on 28 July 2025 and close on 30 January 2026. Submissions must be complete before assessment can begin, and approval is not guaranteed. Applicants must meet several criteria:
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Importing Entity: Goods must be imported by a single entity with a valid Australian Company Number (ACN) or Australian Business Number (ABN).
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Container Specifications: Goods must be transported in hard six-sided shipping containers.
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Storage Conditions: Goods must be stored indoors from manufacture until export to Australia. Supply chains with an outdoor storage component may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but only if outdoor exposure is less than 120 hours and supported by extensive, documented and actively monitored biosecurity procedures that mitigate BMSB risk.
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Mitigation Processes: Applicants must now use and submit the new Biosecurity Mitigation & Contingency Plan template with their application. This must describe biosecurity processes for each Supplier ID and supply chain pathway, covering manufacturing, packaging, transport, storage and unpacking in Australia. The correct template (Single Site or Multiple Site) must be selected depending on supply chain complexity.
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Contingency Plans: Proven measures must be in place throughout the supply chain to protect goods from exposure to BMSB and other pests.
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Unpacking Location: The container must be unpacked in a metropolitan area as specified by the department's postcode delivery classifications.
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Training and Compliance: If approved, all those involved in the supply chain must complete the department’s online Hitchhiker awareness training and adhere to safeguarding agreements. At least one supply chain compliance audit is required within 60 days of receiving formal approval for the current season.
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Approved applicants: must now submit an Importer’s Declaration with import documentation, confirming that safeguarded goods have only been manufactured, stored and unpacked at approved safeguarded locations. This replaces the previous supplier declaration process.
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All consignments will now be subject to document assessment before release and may be directed for random verification inspection. Import documentation must be lodged via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) for assessment.
How Mainfreight Can Help
Navigating the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme can be complex, but Mainfreight is here to simplify the process for you. Our extensive experience in logistics and compliance ensures that we can assist you every step of the way:
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Expert Guidance: Our team will help you navigate your eligibility under Scheme's requirements.
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Resources: We provide support material and guide you with your application from creating your supply chain plan to mitigation and contingency tables.
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Compliance: Mainfreight can assist in the audit requirements as required by the Scheme.
By leveraging our services, you can ensure a smoother application process and compliance with the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme, streamlining your imports and contributing to the protection of Australia's biosecurity.
Contact Mainfreight’s Customs Brokers to learn how we can support your logistics and compliance needs effectively.
To learn more about the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme, visit the DAFF website.
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