Cleanliness requirements for imported machinery, equipment and spare parts

New machinery is often contaminated through poor loading or by being field tested before shipment to Australia. The following images are examples of new machinery loaded in wet, muddy conditions which meant the consignment needed to be treated upon arrival.

Machinery can also become contaminated by plant and animal materials, such as seeds and birds’ nests, if it is stored outside prior to shipment. To prevent delays and to reduce costs, ensure all machinery is stored and loaded in clean conditions to prevent contamination.

• Figure 1: New excavator, poorly loaded
• Figure 2: Soil and gravel lodges in tracks and contamination on track frame
• Figure 3: Contamination on the excavator turret pivot area

All machinery that is field tested or factory trialled where soil, animal or plant material has been introduced or has come into contact with the machine is considered by the department to be used.

All used machinery is required to enter Australia free from biosecurity risk material. Clean machinery and parts will be characterised by a comprehensive cleaning process. All possible sites of contamination must be cleaned. This may require partial or full dismantling of machinery.

Machinery with low level contamination on arrival will be subject to additional cleaning at an a pproved a rrangement site. Heavily contaminated machinery may be directed for export from Australia at the owner or importer’s expense.

View an earthmoving truck being thoroughly inspected for low- level contamination. Welded plates are examined for soil (Figure 5) and crevasses (Figure 6) where soil can lodge.

• Figure 4: A used earthmoving truck is inspected for contamination
• Figure 5: A departmental officer examines welded plates in the tray for concealed contamination
• Figure 6: All hollow channels in the tray frame and crevasses in the steel chassis must be inspected

Used earthmoving scraper

View examples of machinery with high level contamination. High level contamination is indicated by large amounts of soil, seeds, plant and animal material on the machinery and spare parts.

• Figure 7: A used earthmoving scraper with high level contamination
• Figure 8: Soil, sand and gravel contamination in the hollow crevice
• Figure 9: Excessive soil, sand and gravel contamination in the vehicle body
• Figure 10: Contamination in the wheel rim
• Figure 11: Grease and oil stains
• Figure 12: Accumulated soil on the vehicle body
• Figure 13: Soil on the gas tank and in the tool box
• Figure 14: Contamination between dual wheels and around the brake areas
• Figure 15: All railings, railing ledges and axle beams must be inspected

Used earthmoving loader

View examples of a used earthmoving loader:

• Figure 16: The front of the bucket is inspected for soil
• Figure 17: The front bucket contains excessive contamination with soil
• Figure 18: All grease stains are to be removed by steam cleaning
• Figure 19: Dirt can accumulate on oil residues
• Figure 20: Soil contamination on battery
• Figure 21: Soil contamination around the axle area
• Figure 22: Soil contamination around the axle, brake and wheel area
• Figure 23: Soil contamination on the loader frame
• Figure 24: Unacceptable contamination on machinery

• Image: Agricultural harvester

View agricultural harvesters that appeared to be clean but inspection by biosecurity officers revealed contamination:

• Figure 25: Crop residue in the threshing area
• Figure 26: Crop reside in the straw walkers and riddles
• Figure 27: Crop residue on screens
• Figure 28: Seed and plant matter on uncleaned harvester

Used processing machinery in contact with soil, animal or plant material is required to be free from biosecurity risk material on arrival in Australia.

View examples of used wool processing machines cleaned offshore to ensure the machines arrived in Australia in a clean state:

• Figure 29: Used wool processor
• Figure 30: Cleaned wool processor
• Figure 31: Contaminated wool processor
• Figure 32: Cleaned and disinfected wool processor

Animal material: Any material that originates from, or is produced by, a living animal including hair, fur, skin, faeces, shell, blood and fluids, feathers, honey, flesh and bone.

Contamination: Any soil, plant or animal material located on the machinery.

Dismantled: All designated parts are removed from the machinery to facilitate the inspection of hollow or concealed sections.

New machinery: Any recently manufactured and/or assembled parts that are taken from the factory floor and transported without exposure to conditions that may lead to contamination. Conditions that may lead to contamination include field testing and extended storage in areas exposed to the environment.

Plant material: Any material that originates from, or is produced by, a plant including pollen, spores, flowers, seeds, gum, leaves, branches, roots, stems, bark, wood and fruits.

Biosecurity risk material (BRM): The presence of material of biosecurity concern, including seeds, soil, grain, plant and animal material.

Used machinery: Includes used, second-hand machinery and new machinery that has been field tested or factory trialled where soil, animal or plant material has been introduced or has come into contact with the machinery. All used machinery must be declared to the department and be inspected for biosecurity risk material.