3 April 2020
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders associated with the biosecurity inspection of sea freight containers imported into Australia—including Shipping Lines, Vessel Agents, customs brokers, Stevedores, wharf/terminal operators, Biosecurity Industry Participants, and importers.
What has changed?
The department published an Industry Advice Notice (17-2020) (Suspension of uncertified Sea freight container inspection stands and interim inspection arrangements) advising from 1 February 2020, the department will only use certified sea container inspection stands to undertake biosecurity activities. The notice also provided for Interim measures for sites without a certified stand, from 1 February to 31 March 2020, to ensure minimum impact to shippers and importers.
This interim period has now passed and no further extension of time will be provided to the small remaining amount of Approved Arrangement (AA) sites without a certified inspection stand.
From 1 April 2020, the department will not process container inspection requests for CAL and rural tailgate inspections to be conducted at AA sites without a certified inspection stand. Due to WHS concerns, containers will be required to be directed to an approved site with a certified stand. This also includes not performing truck based rural tailgate inspections at sites without a certified inspection stand on site.
Shippers, vessel agents, importers and brokers are encouraged to check that stevedores, wharves and Biosecurity Industry Participants have a current certified Sea freight container inspection stand prior to booking discharge of CAL containers, or container inspection requests to avoid possible delays and associated costs.
Further information
For further information regarding the certification requirements for sea container inspection stands visit aff.gov.au or email: seafreightstands@aff.gov.au
Engineers Australia can also be contacted directly regarding the assessment process and for a list of assessed engineers email: seafreight@engineersaustralia.org.au