Date of issue: 24 August 2017
Date of effect: Immediate
Attention:
- Australian Hides Skins and Leather Exporters Association (AHSLEA)
- Animal skins and hides processors/packers
- Exporters and agents
- Department of Agriculture and Water Resources staff
Overseas markets: All
Purpose
To notify processors/packers and exporters of animal skins and hides about leaking containers.
Background
Biosecurity officers regularly conduct general surveillance vessel inspections whilst vessels are in port. Over the past few months it has come to the attention of departmental officers’ that on a number of occasions heavily stained liquid was found on the vessel’s deck areas. The liquid was leaking from shipping containers containing salted hides and or skins destined for China that were loaded in a prior Australian port. This type of liquid discharge has the potential to attract pests and diseases and could lead to penalties and fines being issued.
Please note, vessels can refuse to load containers that are improperly packed or are found to be leaking. Any container found leaking after it has been loaded onto a vessel could be discharged at the next port.
Actions
Processors/packers and exporters are requested to review their load out procedures to ensure any possible damage to container liners is prevented. Where damage is evident, corrective actions must fix the problem.
Further information
Further information is available on the Cargo Handbook website.
Contacts
Non Prescribed Goods - NPG Exports or telephone 1800 900 090
AHSLEA - Dennis King or telephone 07 4661 9911
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.