28 September 2023
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to notify clients of changeover date for the new bolt seals used to secure sea containers for Japan.
Summary of changes and key points
- On 23 August 2023, the department notified stakeholders of changes to the appearance of official marks—bolt seals used to secure containers for Japan, in IAN 2023-52.
- Registered export establishments must cease using the existing bolt seals on 30 September 2023.
- New seals must be used from 1 October 2023 onwards.
- Only the below commodity exports will be impacted by the change at this stage:
- sea freight citrus exports to Japan
- sea freight table grapes exports to Japan
- sea freight avocado exports from Western Australia to Japan.
- Other than those commodity exports indicated above, official Australian Government bolt seals are not a requirement for plant exports.
Background
Japan protocol markets require all sea containers to be secured with Australia’s official marks—bolt seal.
Following a tender process, a change in the appearance of bolt seals will occur.
As notified in IAN 2023-52, the use of existing bolt seal must cease on close of business 30 September 2023. All containers for Japan must be secured and sealed with the new green official bolt seals commencing 1 October 2023. Ordering procedure for new official bolt seals can be found in IAN 2023-55.
Establishment responsibilities
- Export registered establishment operators are advised to keep adequate stocks of the current seals for use until 30 September 2023.
- Ensure the new seals remain segregated until they are required, from 1 October 2023 onwards.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding the seal order form and returning of seals, please contact VEMG Planning and Coordination or call 1800 900 090.
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
Rossana Carr
A/g Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch