27 May 2022
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that the instructional material for the inspection of cotton for export has been updated to allow for bulk loading of cotton into bulk vessels.
Summary of changes and key points
- Cotton is now permitted to be exported bulk into bulk vessels, subject to the approval of a loading proposal and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the Grain and Seed Exports Program.
- The instructional material for the inspection of cotton for export has been updated to accommodate this.
- Changes to the Guideline: Inspection of cotton for export include
- establishments wanting to export cotton bulk into bulk vessels must submit a loading proposal and a SOP to the Grain and Seed Exports Program for consideration and approval before operations can commence
- definitions of bulk vessel terms
- bulk vessels used for cotton exports must have been issued a bulk vessel approval that has not expired (is within 28 days of inspection) and the approval has not been suspended or revoked.
- Changes to the Work Instruction: Inspecting cotton for export include
- AOs must, in addition to the instructional material, also refer to the SOP approved by the Grain and Seed Exports Program if performing inspections for cotton loaded into bulk vessels
- AOs must check that the bulk vessel has been issued a bulk vessel approval that has not expired (is within 28 days of inspection) and the approval has not been suspended or revoked
- minor changes in relation to submitting inspection records in PEMS and/or manual documentation.
Background
We have received queries about the feasibility of cotton being exported bulk into bulk vessels.
After careful consideration of the phytosanitary risks, we have approved the export of cotton bulk into bulk vessels, subject to the approval of a loading proposal and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by the Grain and Seed Exports Program, commencing 27 May 2022.
Industry responsibilities
- Industry and AOs must comply with the new instructional material from the date of publication.
- AOs are able to contact the AO Hotline on 1800851305 or their local Regional Assurance Manager (RAM) should they require support in meeting the new requirements.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN or want further information about the requirements for the loading proposal or SOP please email the Grain and Seed Exports Program.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch