BMSB Measures and Fumigation Treatments
BMSB is the abbreviation of “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug”. Halyomorpha halys, known in Turkey as “Kahverengi Kokarca”, is an invasive pest that poses a significant risk to agricultural production and international trade. Feeding on fruit, vegetables and a wide range of agricultural produce, this pest can travel between countries by hiding in the sheltered parts of vehicles, machinery, containers, packaging and various types of cargo.
Australia and New Zealand in particular, along with several other countries, apply additional biosecurity measures during defined periods of the year to prevent BMSB from entering their ecosystems.
What Are BMSB Measures?
BMSB measures are seasonal requirements aimed at freeing certain goods, vehicles, machinery, containers and means of transport from the pest, where these originate in target risk countries or are loaded or transhipped through them.
The scope of the measures may vary according to the destination country, the shipment date, the origin of the goods, the countries of loading or transhipment, the product group and the mode of transport. Each shipment therefore needs to be assessed individually against the current import requirements.
Why Does BMSB Matter for International Trade?
The brown marmorated stink bug seeks out enclosed spaces for shelter, especially in colder periods, and can remain inactive there for long stretches of time. Engine compartments of vehicles, cavities in machinery, containers, packaging and hard-to-reach points within a consignment can all provide suitable harbourage for the pest to be carried across borders.
Shipments in which BMSB is detected, or which fail to meet the required conditions, may be subject to additional inspection, re-treatment, delay, re-export or other biosecurity action in the destination country. Treatments planned correctly before departure help reduce the time and cost losses that can arise during the export process.
Which Cargoes May Fall Under BMSB Measures?
Depending on the country and the seasonal regulations in force, the following cargo groups may be assessed within the scope of BMSB measures:
- Passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy plant
- Agricultural, construction and industrial machinery
- Machinery parts and technical equipment
- Metal, timber and similar industrial goods
- Target risk goods carried in containers
- Ro-Ro vessels and related transport equipment
- Cargo produced, stored or transhipped in target risk countries
Whether a product falls within the scope of the measures is not determined by the product name alone. The HS/tariff code, country of manufacture, shipping route and loading date must all be assessed together.
How Are BMSB Measures Applied?
The treatments accepted by the destination country may include approved fumigation methods, heat treatment, physical inspection, cleaning procedures and protection of the consignment against re-infestation after treatment.
Once the structure, volume, packaging and location of the cargo to be fumigated have been examined, a suitable treatment plan is prepared. The area is sealed to ensure gas-tightness, the necessary safety measures are put in place, and the treatment is carried out under control by specialist personnel. Monitoring and gas measurement are performed throughout the exposure period; once the treatment is complete the area is ventilated and safe conditions are verified with measuring instruments.
Preparing complete treatment records and the required documentation is an essential part of the process for the traceability of the shipment.
Professional BMSB Treatments with Atılım Fumigation
Atılım Fumigation provides professional fumigation solutions against BMSB risk for vehicles, machinery, equipment, containers and other cargo groups destined for export. Shipment details are assessed before treatment, and a work plan is drawn up in line with the characteristics of the cargo and the current biosecurity requirements of the destination country.
Throughout the process, site preparation, gas-tightness checks, treatment, monitoring, ventilation and reporting are carried out with care. This supports an export operation that runs safely, to plan and with full traceability.
Check the Current Season Requirements
BMSB risk seasons, target countries, target risk goods and accepted treatment conditions can change from one season to the next. When planning a shipment, the current regulations of the destination country must always be checked.
For cargo falling under BMSB measures, contact Atılım Fumigation for detailed information on treatment requirements, process planning and pricing.
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