News / Stink bug threat triggers new rules on cargo to Australia and New Zealand

© Freerlaw

Australia’s department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has said that the 2024-25 BMSB [Brown Marmorated Stink Bug] seasonal measures will apply to vessels from “high risk countries”, on shipments to Australia and New Zealand. 

According to Maersk, the BMSB is “a significant threat”, and it poses a serious risk to the countries’ agricultural sectors. 

Indeed, the critter ranked 9th on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pests list and feeds on some 300 plant species, causing severe damage to fruit and vegetable crops. 

The risk ...