The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has advised that the annual Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) flight season will commence on 1 November 2026 and is expected to conclude on 30 April 2027.

During this period, heightened biosecurity surveillance will apply to vessels departing New Zealand, together with specific import conditions for timber and timber products.

Key requirements:

• Following pre-arrival reporting, targeted vessels will receive a BPL Questionnaire through MARS. Any inspection or risk mitigation requirements will be communicated through the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD).

• Importers of timber and timber products from New Zealand should review the applicable BPL flight season requirements in BICON.

• Consignments loaded onto vessels, or loaded and sealed into containers, before 1 November 2026 are exempt from BPL flight season treatment requirements.

• Vessel masters and crew should remain vigilant for BPL beetles and promptly report suspected detections to DAFF.

Further information:

• DAFF Industry Advice Notice 186-2026

• Burnt Pine Longicorn information

Importers should refer to the relevant BICON case for applicable timber and timber product import conditions.

News & Photo from DAFF