2 November 2016
Who does this notice affect?
All importers and brokerages involved in importing commercial air cargo lodged on a Full Import Declaration (FID).
What is changing?
Commencing 14 November, 2016 the department will conduct a second survey of imported commercial air cargo consignments over two weeks. The aim is to inspect 300 consignments nationally that would not normally be subject to biosecurity intervention.
The results of this survey will build on data collected during the first survey, strongly supported by industry in February 2016. The combined data will be used to determine the approach rate of the compliance with import requirements on the pathway. It will also be an opportunity to trial how this process can work for future verification.
The process, developed in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC), will mirror Cargo Compliance Verification for commercial Full Container Load (FCL) consignments, where imported consignments will be randomly selected by profiles in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
How will this affect you?
During the survey period of 14–27 November, 2016 there is a chance that a consignment that would not typically have been referred to the department for biosecurity consideration will be selected for a random verification inspection.
We recognise that your consignment would not usually have been inspected by us and we will continue to work closely with you to minimise any disruption the inspection may cause.
No inspection fees will be applied for consignments that comply with biosecurity requirements. Standard document processing fees will apply, as they usually would.
The inspections must take place at a Class 1 Approved Arrangement (AA) site and the consignment must remain intact and unopened. Importers or their brokers will be notified through the addition of a ‘Compliance Verification – Air Cargo Survey’ direction in the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS). Bookings for these inspections can be made through the normal inspection booking process.
You can minimise delays by ensuring that the FID for the consignment is lodged in the ICS as soon as possible, preferably before the arrival of the aircraft. This will enable the notification through AIMS to be received with sufficient time for you to book an inspection.
Further information
For further information on this survey please contact the Analysis and Intelligence section at CCV Canberra. General information on CCV can be found on the department’s website.