Import Conditions Database - ICON

Procedures for Tailgate Verification of Cargo in Shipping Containers

A tailgate verification is used to confirm that the product or packaging being imported meets the conditions of entry to Australia. Specifically, there are occasions where the nature of the goods can be determined either by observation from the container door or by examining a small sample of the goods from the container. For example, straw hats that have been dyed or bleached as part of the process of manufacture represent little quarantine risk. A tailgate verification can ensure that the hats in a consignment have been dyed or bleached.

Tailgate Verification

If a tailgate verification is required, the AQIS AIMS processing officer should determine:

a. If the verification procedure should involve only observation from the container door,

b. If the verification procedure requires an examination of one or two boxes in the consignment; or

c. That there is a single line in the container or if there are multiple lines can they be verified without an unpack and

d. The importer or their agent can easily remove samples for examination.

If all of the above conditions can be met, the AIMS processing officer can direct the consignment for a tailgate verification. The AIMS direction should state: “Verification – tailgate to confirm labelling/packaging/product type etc.”

A partial or full unpack and inspect is required if:

a. The inspection involves checking boxes/packaging from various positions in the container as part of a protocol inspection; or

b. There is more than one product line in the container and the product line to be verified is not accessible during a tailgate verification; or

c. The importer or their agent cannot easily remove boxes from the container during a tailgate; or

d. During the tailgate inspection the AQIS officer determines that an unpack is required for verification.

AQIS Officers Entering Containers

AQIS officers are not to enter a shipping container to inspect goods during either a tailgate verification or a partial/full unpack inspection.

For further information contact AQIS Import Clearance enquires (02) 6272 3999.

	The information here covers AQIS quarantine requirements only and is current on the date of transmission but may change without notice. AQIS makes no warranties or representations with respect to the accuracy or completeness of that information and will bear no liability with respect to that information. Importers must satisfy quarantine concerns and comply with quarantine conditions applicable at the time of entry. The Commonwealth through AQIS is not liable for any costs arising from or associated with decisions of importers to import based on conditions presented here which are not current at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to identify and to ensure it has complied with, all requirements of any other regulatory and advisory bodies prior to and after importation including the Australian Customs Service, Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health and Ageing, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority and any State agencies such as Departments of Agriculture and Health and Environmental Protection authorities. Importers should note that this list is not exhaustive. Importers should also note that all foods imported into Australia must comply with the provisions of the Imported Food Control Act 1992 , an Act which is administered by AQIS. Notification of the import must be provided to AQIS for all imported goods other than goods imported as accompanied baggage or goods imported via the mail and not prescribed under the Customs Act 1901. Notification must be consistent with Quarantine Regulations 2000 (examples include a Quarantine Entry or a Quarantine declaration).

	Public Quarantine Alert PQA0371

	Procedures for Tailgate Verification of Cargo in Shipping Containers A tailgate verification is used to confirm that the product or packaging being imported meets the conditions of entry to Australia. Specifically, there are occasions where the nature of the goods can be determined either by observation from the container door or by examining a small sample of the goods from the container. For example, straw hats that have been dyed or bleached as part of the process of manufacture represent little quarantine risk. A tailgate verification can ensure that the hats in a consignment have been dyed or bleached. Tailgate Verification If a tailgate verification is required, the AQIS AIMS processing officer should determine: a. If the verification procedure should involve only observation from the container door, b. If the verification procedure requires an examination of one or two boxes in the consignment; or c. That there is a single line in the container or if there are multiple lines can they be verified without an unpack and d. The importer or their agent can easily remove samples for examination. If all of the above conditions can be met, the AIMS processing officer can direct the consignment for a tailgate verification. The AIMS direction should state: “Verification – tailgate to confirm labelling/packaging/product type etc.” A partial or full unpack and inspect is required if: a. The inspection involves checking boxes/packaging from various positions in the container as part of a protocol inspection; or b. There is more than one product line in the container and the product line to be verified is not accessible during a tailgate verification; or c. The importer or their agent cannot easily remove boxes from the container during a tailgate; or d. During the tailgate inspection the AQIS officer determines that an unpack is required for verification. AQIS Officers Entering Containers AQIS officers are not to enter a shipping container to inspect goods during either a tailgate verification or a partial/full unpack inspection. For further information contact AQIS Import Clearance enquires (02) 6272 3999.