Import Conditions Database - ICON

Amended import conditions for panel products

Changes have been made to the import conditions and clearance procedures for commodities comprised of particle board, chipboard, masonite, orientated strand board, medium and high density fibre board and that are free of solid wood.

As of 15 December 2004, commodities comprised solely of reconstituted wood products will no longer need to be referred to AQIS for further assessment.

Reconstituted wood products are those that no longer contain solid wood due to the manufacturing processing. This includes the following panel products: particleboard, chipboard, masonite, orientated strand board, medium and high density fibreboard. AQIS has reviewed the clearance procedures, interception data, and manufacturing processes of reconstituted wood products and has determined that the quarantine risks are minimised during the manufacturing processes.

In addition, AQIS will also update definitions used in the import conditions for wood packaging and dunnage to reflect this change. From 1 February 2005, packaging solely comprised of the above reconstituted wood products (i.e. no solid wood or plywood) need not be declared on packing declarations as wood.

It is important to note that these changed conditions do not apply to plywood or veneers. An extensive interception record for these commodities exists and the effectiveness of the manufacturing processes for these products to mitigate quarantine risk has not yet been determined. As such, there is no change to existing import conditions for plywood and timber veneers.

For further information regarding amended import conditions for panel products, contact AQIS Import Clearance on phone 02 6272 3999 or fax 02 6272 5888.

	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 PQA0390

	Amended import conditions for panel products Changes have been made to the import conditions and clearance procedures for commodities comprised of particle board, chipboard, masonite, orientated strand board, medium and high density fibre board and that are free of solid wood. As of 15 December 2004, commodities comprised solely of reconstituted wood products will no longer need to be referred to AQIS for further assessment. Reconstituted wood products are those that no longer contain solid wood due to the manufacturing processing. This includes the following panel products: particleboard, chipboard, masonite, orientated strand board, medium and high density fibreboard. AQIS has reviewed the clearance procedures, interception data, and manufacturing processes of reconstituted wood products and has determined that the quarantine risks are minimised during the manufacturing processes. In addition, AQIS will also update definitions used in the import conditions for wood packaging and dunnage to reflect this change. From 1 February 2005, packaging solely comprised of the above reconstituted wood products (i.e. no solid wood or plywood) need not be declared on packing declarations as wood. It is important to note that these changed conditions do not apply to plywood or veneers. An extensive interception record for these commodities exists and the effectiveness of the manufacturing processes for these products to mitigate quarantine risk has not yet been determined. As such, there is no change to existing import conditions for plywood and timber veneers. For further information regarding amended import conditions for panel products, contact AQIS Import Clearance on phone 02 6272 3999 or fax 02 6272 5888.