28 October 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Biosecurity industry participants (BIPs) involved in the importation of containerised mined and chemical (natural or synthetic) fertilisers.
What has changed?
The Seals Intact inspection requirements for consignments of imported containerised mined and chemical (natural or synthetic) fertiliser have now changed. This change applies to containerised consignments that have been assessed by the department as having a 'Risk Level 2' or 'Risk Level 3' classification, and includes product imported both as bagged and/or in bulk (loose).
Under the previous importing conditions, consignments of containerised mined and chemical fertiliser with a Risk Level 2 or Risk Level 3 classification were required to have a departmental Seals Intact inspection undertaken, prior to the unpacking of the fertiliser from the containers.
Under the new importing conditions, consignments of Risk Level 2 and Risk Level 3 containerised mined and chemical fertiliser are no longer required to have departmental Seals Intact inspections undertaken.
Instead, BIPs at the nominated Approved Arrangement site responsible for receiving consignments of Risk Level 2 or Risk Level 3 containerised mined and chemical fertilisers are now required to confirm that the physical container seal number(s) match the container seal numbers as described on the commercial documentation. This must be performed prior to unpacking/tipping the fertiliser from the container(s).
Containers with seal numbers that do not match the commercial documentation must not be unpacked/tipped and the department must be notified by calling 1800 900 090.
Containers with matching seal numbers must be unpacked/tipped prior to the arrival of a biosecurity officer to conduct the inspection of the goods and associated container(s). If biosecurity risk material is identified at the time of unpacking/tipping the fertiliser from the containers, the department must be notified by calling 1800 900 090.
The department has also made corresponding updates to the importing conditions, onshore pathways and onshore outcomes to align with this change. The updates to the importing conditions and onshore pathways/outcomes can be found on the department's Biosecurity Import Conditions Database (BICON) under the 'Fertilisers' case.
Further information
Inquiries in relation to this IIAN can be submitted to seacargopolicy@aff.gov.au.