Import Conditions Database - ICON

Update on proposed changes to Australian import requirements for solid wood packaging material and dunnage compliant with the international standard ISPM 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15)

Purpose

To advise that AQIS requirements for facilitated clearance of ISPM 15 compliant timber packing and dunnage have been revised. This update overrides the previous Public Quarantine Alert 0331 of 26 June 2004.

Australian import conditions for solid timber packing and dunnage from 1 September 2004

On 1 September 2004 facilitated clearance procedures for containerised solid timber packing and dunnage will be updated to allow for the acceptance of solid timber packing and dunnage that is free of bark and compliant with ISPM 15. This applies to ISPM 15 compliant solid wood packing and dunnage marked with either the HT symbol for heat treatment or the MB symbol for methyl bromide fumigation. Australia will be maintaining its nil tolerance for bark.

For AQIS purposes, ISPM 15 treated wood packing:

· Will not require a treatment certificate (providing that the packing declaration indicates ISPM 15 compliance and freedom from bark).

· Will not need to satisfy the requirement for treatment to have taken place no later than 21 days before export (please note this rule is being reviewed for Australia’s existing wood packaging conditions).

· Will be considered acceptable under existing AQIS Compliance Agreement arrangements related to packing.

Further information is provided at www.aqis.gov.au/iian

Australia’s existing requirements

Australia’s existing import conditions and co-regulatory quarantine clearance arrangements for solid timber packing and dunnage will continue to be offered in parallel with the proposed import conditions incorporating ISPM 15. Importers will be able to elect which option to use. This approach will ensure continued market access to Australia for countries that are not in a position to implement ISPM 15.

To bring this new option into effect the Containerised Cargo Clearance Manual will be updated by 1 September 2004. Amendments to the Containerised Cargo Clearance manual will be distributed to industry on 1 September 2004.

Non-compliant solid wood packaging and dunnage

Solid timber packing material and dunnage that does not meet Australia’s import requirements may be treated on arrival, destroyed or re-exported at the importer’s expense. In addition, from 1 September 2004, all solid timber packing material and dunnage imported into Australia, whether ISPM 15 compliant or imported under the existing arrangements will be subject to surveillance.

For technical inquires contact Mr Doug Walsh on (02) 6272 4989 or Fax (02) 6272 5888.

For further information regarding changes to the Containerised Cargo Clearance Manual contact Ms RossanaSimoncini on (02) 6272 4139 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 PQA0331

	Update on proposed changes to Australian import requirements for solid wood packaging material and dunnage compliant with the international standard ISPM 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15) Purpose To advise that AQIS requirements for facilitated clearance of ISPM 15 compliant timber packing and dunnage have been revised. This update overrides the previous Public Quarantine Alert 0331 of 26 June 2004. Australian import conditions for solid timber packing and dunnage from 1 September 2004 On 1 September 2004 facilitated clearance procedures for containerised solid timber packing and dunnage will be updated to allow for the acceptance of solid timber packing and dunnage that is free of bark and compliant with ISPM 15. This applies to ISPM 15 compliant solid wood packing and dunnage marked with either the HT symbol for heat treatment or the MB symbol for methyl bromide fumigation. Australia will be maintaining its nil tolerance for bark. For AQIS purposes, ISPM 15 treated wood packing: · Will not require a treatment certificate (providing that the packing declaration indicates ISPM 15 compliance and freedom from bark). · Will not need to satisfy the requirement for treatment to have taken place no later than 21 days before export (please note this rule is being reviewed for Australia’s existing wood packaging conditions). · Will be considered acceptable under existing AQIS Compliance Agreement arrangements related to packing. Further information is provided at www.aqis.gov.au/iian Australia’s existing requirements Australia’s existing import conditions and co-regulatory quarantine clearance arrangements for solid timber packing and dunnage will continue to be offered in parallel with the proposed import conditions incorporating ISPM 15. Importers will be able to elect which option to use. This approach will ensure continued market access to Australia for countries that are not in a position to implement ISPM 15. To bring this new option into effect the Containerised Cargo Clearance Manual will be updated by 1 September 2004. Amendments to the Containerised Cargo Clearance manual will be distributed to industry on 1 September 2004. Non-compliant solid wood packaging and dunnage Solid timber packing material and dunnage that does not meet Australia’s import requirements may be treated on arrival, destroyed or re-exported at the importer’s expense. In addition, from 1 September 2004, all solid timber packing material and dunnage imported into Australia, whether ISPM 15 compliant or imported under the existing arrangements will be subject to surveillance. For technical inquires contact Mr Doug Walsh on (02) 6272 4989 or Fax (02) 6272 5888. For further information regarding changes to the Containerised Cargo Clearance Manual contact Ms RossanaSimoncini on (02) 6272 4139 or Fax (02) 6272 5888.