Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS)

The SCHS is a performance-based system. Onshore intervention rates are based on the cleanliness of containers arriving into Australia.

Site hygiene is crucial to effective management of biosecurity risks. SCHS sites have an appropriate pest management plan to maintain system integrity. Sea containers are cleaned and treated externally with an insecticide to prevent pest infestation. Containers are then stored in a suitably managed area before loading.

Offshore biosecurity risk management reduces the need for inspection or additional management on arrival in Australia. The SCHS Assessment and Management Policy outlines the methods for determining the on-arrival inspection rate.

SCHS agreements are subject to risk reviews at the department’s discretion. The SCHS entity may be required to address emerging or seasonal pests.

No. The SCHS only considers the cleanliness of the container. Relevant biosecurity import conditions apply to goods and commodities.

Import conditions for goods arriving in Australia can be found using Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON).

The department encourages importers from countries or ports identified on the Country Action List (CAL) to consider implementing a SCHS. Importers from countries or ports not listed on the CAL may also apply.

SCHS agreements can operate with an entity (e.g. shipping line, container processing facility or port authority) or at a government-to-government level.

A government-to-government agreement may allow for recognition of a whole country or port where International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) are implemented.

The SCHS Offshore Hygiene Requirements – Industry Guide outlines procedures industry can implement to meet the standards of the system. This document serves as a guide only, it is not intended to be prescriptive. In some circumstances alternative or additional cleaning and treatment processes may be required. The department can provide specific guidance before you apply.

The department will be able to provide you with specific information on how to apply. There are various considerations, including an onsite scoping or pre-approval audit before applying.

Please email SCHS Cargo Policy for further information on applying for SCHS recognition.

Interested entities are responsible for the costs associated with establishing a SCHS.

Applicants must pay departmental costs for activities relating to assessment and recognition. These include departmental travel costs for any onsite scoping or pre-approval audits.

SCHS entities must also pay ongoing costs relating to the management of the facility. These include travel costs for departmental onsite audits under the SCHS Assessment and Management Policy.

Note: The department may require two officers to complete an on-site audit. Where travel restrictions exist, virtual or remote audits may be considered.

Timeframes for assessment of an application vary.

An onsite pre-approval audit is subject to departmental availability. This audit is required before the agreement can be finalised.

The SCHS may be applicable to all types of containers imported through the sea cargo pathway. Containers include both full and empty general and refrigerated (reefer) containers. Flat racks must be empty to be eligible.

The SCHS may also apply to containers transhipped before arrival in Australia.

Please contact SCHS Cargo Policy to discuss eligibility and requirements for a specific pathway.

Contamination may result in increased intervention rates depending on its severity. The SCHS Assessment and Management Policy outlines further actions relating to contamination.

Further biosecurity risk management activities may be required resulting in additional cost to the importer. Information on inspection and clearance of goods, including fees and charges, can be found on the department’s website.

Yes. The department provides regular reports during the assurance period. Quarterly reports outline contamination history, intervention levels and any relevant issues.

SCHS contamination thresholds and intervention level adjustments are not negotiable.

Yes. The recognised facilities listed below are general use facilities. Contact the facility in your location for further details.

SCHS recognition applies only to the recognised participant.

For further information on the Sea Container Hygiene System, please email: SCHS Cargo Policy.

Additional guidance material

• The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) includes comprehensive information and references on all aspects of the loading and securing of cargo in containers. Annex 6: Minimising the risk of recontamination is recommended to assist with management of the hygiene system.
• The IPPC Sea Container Task Force also provides material to facilitate and support the reduction of pest risks associated with the movement of sea containers.

The department currently accepts sea container hygiene certification from the below general use facilities.

Please note this list is not exhaustive and additional recognised facilities may be available in additional ports. To enquire if SCHS facilities may be available please contact your shipping agent or the relevant port authorities.