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BMSB Treatments

August 2025 Edition:

BMSB Treatments by: Colton Lenzie

 

As a fumigation professional, I’ve worked with countless exporters trying to meet Australia's strict Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) biosecurity requirements. One of the most effective tools in our arsenal is Profume, a sulfuryl fluoride fumigant that’s approved under Australia’s BMSB seasonal measures.

 

But here’s the thing: many of the delays, miscommunications, and frustrations we all experience could be avoided if customers had a better understanding of the fumigation process. So, if you're shipping goods to Australia between September and April, here are some key things I think every customer should know about Profume treatments.

 

 

 

1. Profume Is a Precision Treatment, Not a Last-Minute Fix

 

  • Profume fumigation isn’t something that can be squeezed in last-minute without risk. The process is highly regulated and must meet specific dosage-time (CT) thresholds defined by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Every treatment is calculated based on:

 

  • The volume of the commodity and the container

 

  • Ambient temperature

 

  • Target CT (concentration x time) requirements

 

  • Fumigation time is 12 hours, plus 3-4 hours for aeration(time may vary).

 

  • What you should know: Booking a fumigation too close to your sail date could backfire. You’ll need to factor in time for the treatment, monitoring, post-fumigation aeration, documentation, and certification.

 

2. Temperature Matters More Than You Think

 

  • Profume requires certain minimum ambient temperature to be effective. For BMSB compliance, this is 50°F or above throughout the entire fumigation period.

 

  •  What you should know: If you're shipping in colder months or your cargo has been sitting in a cold yard, it may not be eligible for treatment right away. We might need to precondition the container (For example: warm it up) before fumigating, which takes additional time and resources.

 

3. Not All Tarps and Packaging Are Equal

 

  • Profume works best in a sealed environment. If your shipment is shrink-wrapped, tarped, or packaged in a way that impedes gas penetration, we may need to cut, unwrap, or modify how it’s loaded, sometimes at extra cost.

 

  • What you should know: Talk to us before loading your cargo. A quick consultation can prevent rework, delays, or damage to packaging. Pallet stacking, gaps, and access all impact the success of the fumigation.

 

 

4. There’s a Science Behind It

 

  • Fumigation is not just about “killing bugs.” It’s about measuring, validating, and proving that the proper dose was maintained for the correct duration. Profume fumigation involves:

 

  1. Installing multiple gas sampling lines inside the container

 

  1. Monitoring concentration with calibrated detection equipment

 

  1. Generating detailed treatment logs and CT calculations

 

  1. Ensuring compliance with Australia’s biosecurity documentation standards

 

  • What you should know: Trust that we're doing more than just pumping in gas. We're following a strict protocol designed to protect your shipment and your reputation with Australian authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

5. One Small Mistake Can Trigger Rejection or Re-treatment

 

  • Australia doesn’t mess around when it comes to BMSB. If the fumigation paperwork is incorrect, the CT wasn't met, or the treatment provider isn’t on the approved list, your container could be:

 

  1. Rejected on arrival

 

  1. Ordered for re-treatment

 

  1. Denied entry altogether

 

  •  What you should know: Make sure your fumigator is DAFF-approved, has a solid track record, and knows the current year’s BMSB seasonal requirements. And always double-check that your documentation matches your container and voyage details.

 

 

6. You Can Help Us Help You

 

  • The best fumigations happen when there’s good communication between the exporter, freight forwarder, and fumigator. You can make a big difference by:

 

  1. Providing accurate container and cargo details early

 

  1. Letting us know your shipping schedule in advance

 

  1. Making sure your containers arrive clean, accessible, and load-ready

 

  • What you should know: When we know what we’re working with, we can plan the best and most cost-effective treatment. Surprises (like a hidden commodity, odd packaging, or a last-minute reroute) often cost everyone more time and money.

 

 

Final Thought: We Want the Same Thing You Do

 

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: for your goods to arrive on time, intact, and fully compliant with Australian regulations.

 

Profume is a powerful and reliable treatment for BMSB, but only when the whole process is treated with the care and precision it requires.

 

So let’s talk early, plan together, and make fumigation a smooth step in your logistics chain, not a speed bump.