Ethyl formate approved for onshore BMSB treatment as the 2026-27 season begins

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has confirmed that ethyl formate is now an approved treatment for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) for both onshore and offshore use. The 2026-27 BMSB risk season started on 1 September 2026. It applies to target goods shipped from target risk countries between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027.

Ethyl formate was first approved for offshore BMSB treatment under AusTreat in the 2025-26 season. Onshore use is new this season. DAFF has since put the new Class 12.4 ethyl formate fumigation conditions into effect, along with updated conditions for fumigation sites (Class 4.6) and secure unpack (Class 4.7). Onshore treatments must be carried out by accredited providers under these approved arrangements. Consignments treated with ethyl formate are reported using the identifier TREATEDEF.

This is an important step for ethyl formate in Australia. DAFF describes it as an alternative to methyl bromide that is not ozone depleting and breaks down quickly in the environment. UBL’s patented Fume8 technology delivers ethyl formate on site, and UBL welcomes the broader adoption of ethyl formate across Australia’s biosecurity system.

Read the DAFF notices:
151-2026: Commencement of the 2026-27 BMSB Risk Season | DAFF
163-2026: Ethyl formate fumigation conditions and approved arrangement updates | DAFF