Conditions for operating approved arrangements

Approved arrangement sites used for the deconsolidation of sea and air cargo, inspection and treatment of goods, containers and Universal Loading Devices (ULDs).

1.1 - Sea and air freight depot (unrestricted)

Approved arrangement sites approved for initial non-containerised machinery inspections, rural container inspections, external container inspections and the storage, inspection or treatment of incorrectly certified agricultural products from Khapra beetle countries.

Note; to be able to conduct rural container inspection a certified sea container inspection stand must be available on site. The stand must be suitable for the types of containers being inspected and be certified according to the standards in the department’s Standards for Sea Freight Container Inspection Stands available on the department’s website.

Applicants entering into a class 1.1 approved arrangement must provide container stand certification as part of their application. Applications not accompanied by container stand certification will be unable to be approved.

1.2 - Air cargo terminal

Approved arrangement sites used for the deconsolidation of air cargo, inspection and treatment of goods, containers and ULDs that are subject to biosecurity control.

1.3 - Sea and air freight depot (restricted)

Approved arrangement sites utilised for the deconsolidation of sea and air cargo, including personal and household effects. These sites can be approved for containerised machinery inspections and the fumigation and cleaning of goods subject to biosecurity control.

Note; to be able to conduct external container inspections (including rural tailgate inspections) at a class 1.3 approved arrangement an applicant must hold approval for class 4.3 – cleaning (minimum wash pad size 16 meters x 5 meters), additionally a certified sea container inspection stand must be available on site.

The sea container stand must be suitable for the types of containers being inspected and be certified according to the standards in the department’s Standards for Sea Freight Container Inspection Stands available on the department’s website.

Where applicants applying for a class 1.3 approved arrangement elect to include rural tailgate inspection, the applicant must provide container stand certification as part of their application. Applications that include rural tailgate inspection but which are not accompanied by container stand certification will be unable to be approved.

Biosecurity Risk Material Record

Instructions for completing the Biosecurity risk material (BRM) record

The BRM record must be completed by an Accredited Person when bark, soil or animal/plant/insect contamination is found in imported containers and/or on timber packaging/dunnage. The BRM record must be maintained at the AA site.

The contamination must be dealt with according to the AA class 1.1 and 1.3 requirements.

Example of BRM record

Example 1 (line 1): An FCL consignment of goods was found to contain grain on the container floor and bark was present on the timber packaging. The timber packaging was marked with an ISPM 15 compliant stamp.

Example 2 (lines 2 and 3): A container was opened and a dead animal was found inside the container. The doors were closed immediately and the department was notified. After a departmental officer had removed the dead animal from the container the goods were unpacked. Bark was found on the timber packaging on one of three LCL consignments within the container. The timber packaging was not marked with an ISPM 15 compliant stamp.

Approved arrangement sites used for the deconsolidation, handling, storage, inspection or examination and treatment of cargo and containers subject to biosecurity control.

2.1 - Non-agricultural products

Approved arrangement sites used for the deconsolidation, handling, storage, inspection and treatment of certain goods and equipment that are subject to biosecurity control.

2.2 - Agricultural products

Approved arrangement sites used for the deconsolidation, storage and inspection of goods that are subject to biosecurity control, but are processed or packaged in such a way as to preclude the possibility of external contamination.

2.3 - Bulk stockfeed/fertiliser

Approved arrangement sites used for the receival, storage, inspection and treatment of bulk commodities such as fertiliser and stockfeed that are subject to biosecurity control.

2.4 - Fresh produce, nursery stock and cut flowers

Approved arrangement site utilised for the deconsolidation, handling, storage, inspection and treatment of fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers (including foliage which forms part of the consignment) and nursery stock (excluding tissue cultures) that are subject to biosecurity control.

2.41 - Verification of packaging for airfreight perishables

Approved arrangement site utilised for the verification of consignment packaging for airfreight perishables and securing of airfreight perishable consignments for transport from the Cargo Terminal Operators (CTO) premises to the inspection point.

Notes:

• Packaging verification is an activity that can be conducted by a departmental officer or by a biosecurity industry participant operating under this arrangement.
• Biosecurity directions requiring packaging verification are only issued to a CTO site that holds approval for AA class 1.2 – Air cargo terminals.
• The biosecurity industry participant for the class 1.2 AA site and the class 2.41 arrangement do not need to be the same entity.
• For further information regarding the types of airfreight perishables that require packaging verification, refer to the departments Biosecurity Import Conditions system.

2.5 - Temperature controlled storage

Approved arrangement sites used for the receipt, storage, and inspection of commodities that have temperature controlled storage requirements, and for those that require cold temperature treatments.

2.5.1 - Temperature controlled storage of specified baitfish

Approved arrangement sites used for the receival, storage, inspection and thawing of specified baitfish that are subject to biosecurity control.

2.5.2 - Temperature controlled storage of imported pig meat

Approved arrangement sites used to undertake temperature controlled storage and handling of imported pig meat that is subject to biosecurity control.

2.6 - Empty shipping container parks

Approved arrangement sites used for the handling, storage, internal examination and treatment of empty shipping containers that are subject to biosecurity control.

2.7 – Grain storage

Approved arrangement (AA) sites utilised for the storage and handling of bulk imported grain commodities such as maize, wheat, barley, and sorghum.

Applications for approval for a class 2.7 must be accompanied by endorsement of the proposed site location issued by the department’s Plant Import Operations branch. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete. Before applying for a class 2. AA, requests for assessment of the proposed site location must be submitted to imports.

Documents including guidelines and templates referenced in the AA conditions and with which biosecurity industry participants must comply, and general information on the department’s regulation of imported grain can be found on the department’s imported whole grain website.

Once you have received the required approvals from Plant Import Operations please contact Approved Arrangement for more information on how to apply.

Applications for approval for a class 2.7 must be accompanied by endorsement of the proposed site location issued by the department’s Plant Import Operations branch. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete. Requests for assessment of the proposed site location must be submitted to imports.

Documents including guidelines and templates referenced in the AA conditions and with which biosecurity industry participants must comply, and general information on the department’s regulation of imported grain can be found on the department’s imported whole grain website.

2.8 – Temporary storage of containerised refrigerated pig meat

Approved arrangement sites used for the temporary storage of refrigerated containers holding imported pig meat that is subject to biosecurity control, prior to movement to a class 2.5.2 or 3.2 AA site.

Approved arrangement (AA) sites used for general cargo, agricultural products, bulk commodities, and imported grain facilities that are subject to biosecurity control, where treatment and processing is undertaken.

3.0 – Processing

AA sites used for the receipt, storage, inspection and processing of goods subject to biosecurity control. Examples of goods which may be processed at class 3.0 AA site include plant, animal or microbial derived ingredients for use in processing for human consumption, pet food, aquaculture or stock feed, hides for tanning, hunting trophies for taxidermy (tanneries), wool for scouring, bagged nuts, seeds or grain, fresh produce.

Before applying for AA class 3.0, an applicant must obtain:

1. endorsement of the proposed site location from the department’s Plant Division and/or Animal Division (see contact details below), and
2. a biosecurity risk assessment from the department’s Plant Division and/or Animal Division (see contact details below).

Notes:

• Where goods are subject to processing to manage plant only risks (e.g. bagged nuts, seeds or grains, fresh produce), contact Plant Division only to obtain site location endorsement and a biosecurity risk assessment by completing the ‘processing questionnaire for imported plant material’.
• Where goods are subject to processing to manage plant and animal risks (e.g. plant, animal or microbial derived ingredients used in pet food, aquaculture or stockfeed), contact both Animal Division and Plant Division to obtain site location endorsement and a biosecurity risk assessment. To determine whether the goods subject to processing contain animal and/or plant risks, refer to BICON.
• An applicant does not need to obtain endorsement of the site location or a biosecurity risk assessment from Animal Division for animal derived material/ingredients, having no other plant risks, imported for processing into products having a human consumption or human therapeutic end-use, or hides for tanning, hunting trophies for taxidermy or wool for scouring.

Contacts:

• Animal Division – imports@awe.gov.au. In your email to Animal Division, include ‘Attention Animal & Biological Import Branch – Risk assessment for Class 3.0 AA application’ in the subject line
• Plant Division – imports@awe.gov.au. In your email to Plant Division, include ‘Attention: Plant tier 2’ in the subject line.

Applicants must provide (a) endorsement of the proposed AA site location and (b) the completed biosecurity risk assessment as part of their application, unless specified above as not required. Applications not accompanied by these will be unable to be approved.

Once you have Plant Division and/or Animal Division endorsement of the proposed AA site location and a biosecurity risk assessment, contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

Note: In August 2020, the department will contact biosecurity industry participants of existing class 3.0 approved arrangement sites and provide information regarding the changes to AA class 3.0 and process to transition their arrangements to include version 4.0 of the class 3.0 conditions.

All new class 3.0 applications are subject to compliance with version 4.0 of the class 3.0 conditions.

3.1 – Grain processing

Approved arrangement (AA) sites utilised for the processing of bulk imported grain commodities such as maize, wheat, barley, and sorghum.

Applications for approval for a class 3.1 must be accompanied by endorsement of the proposed site location issued by the department’s Plant Import Operations branch. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

Before applying for a class 3.1 AA, requests for assessment of the proposed site location must be submitted to imports.

Documents including guidelines and templates referenced in the AA conditions and with which biosecurity industry participants must comply, and general information on the department’s regulation of imported grain can be found on the department’s imported whole grain website.

Once you have received the required approvals from Plant Import Operations please contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

3.2 – Imported pig meat processing

Approved arrangement sites used for the handling, storage, transport and processing of imported uncooked pig meat that is subject to biosecurity control.

3.3 – Imported uncooked prawn product processing

AA sites utilised for the processing of imported uncooked prawn product.

3.4 – Imported salmon product processing

AA sites utilised for the processing of imported uncooked salmon product.

Approved arrangement sites used for the treatment and or cleaning of goods, containers and packaging that is subject to biosecurity control.

Note: The use of class 4.7 sites is limited only to the secure unpack of containers subject to treatment to manage seasonal hitchhiker biosecurity pests.

4.1 – Heat treatment site

Approved arrangement sites used where the heat treatment of goods, containers and packaging that are subject to biosecurity control is undertaken

Note: Biosecurity industry participants approved under AA class 4.1 at 6 September 2019 will be subject to a notice of intent to vary arrangement conditions. These BIPs will be provided a period within which compliance with AA Class 4.1 VERSION 3.1 must be achieved.

All new class 4.1 applications will be assessed against version 3.1.

4.2 – Gamma irradiation

Approved arrangement sites used for gamma irradiation treatment of goods and packaging that is subject to biosecurity control.

4.3 – Cleaning

Approved arrangement sites used for the cleaning of goods, containers and packaging, e.g. washing of cars that are subject to biosecurity control.

4.4 – Seed cleaning

Approved arrangement sites used for the performance of cleaning seeds that are subject to biosecurity control.

4.6 – Fumigation

Approved arrangement sites used where the fumigation of goods, containers and packaging that are subject to biosecurity control is undertaken.

Further information

• Methyl bromide fumigation methodology
• Guide to performing QPS fumigation
• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation methodology

4.7 – Secure unpack for treatment of seasonal hitchhiker biosecurity pests

Approved arrangement sites used where containers subject to biosecurity seasonal risk measures require unpack within a secure environment for the purpose of rectifying issues preventing treatment at the container level.

Further information

• Heat treatment methodology
• Methyl bromide fumigation methodology
• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation methodology

AA sites used for research, analysis and/or testing of imported biological material including micro-organisms, animal and human products and soil. This type of site includes microbiological facilities, animal facilities and plant laboratories, whether integral or separate to the site. Where applicable, class 5 conditions should be read in conjunction with the appropriate Australian/New Zealand Standard as listed in individual classes.

Biosecurity containment level 1

AA sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control of low hazard where standard safe containment practice is adequate to address biosecurity risk.

The published document has been prepared by the department. Some components of this document do not fully comply with Australian Government accessibility guidelines. If you have any problems using this document please contact the department.

Biosecurity containment level 2

Biosecurity containment level 2 conditions apply to approved arrangement sites housing biosecurity goods that pose a moderate biosecurity risk. A low to moderate economic impact would result to people, the community, or environment should the goods (including live organisms) escape and spread outside the approved arrangement site.

Biosecurity Containment Level 2 (BC2) review

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has updated conditions for AA classes 5.2, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 and where applicable class 6.1 by incorporating them into the revised AA BC2 class 5, covering microbiological, animal, aquatic, plant and invertebrate sites.

From 18 January 2021, all AAs with classes 5.2, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 and where applicable class 6.1 will be audited, when due, against the new BC2 conditions.

Existing approvals (approved before 17 January 2021)

Class 5.2 (AA for biosecurity containment level 2 – requirements), 7.2, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 and where applicable class 6.1 sites will continue to operate under the relevant class conditions as listed on the department website, up until the time of the transition audit.

During the transition audits, AA sites will be audited against the revised BC2 conditions. Where non-compliance/s are identified against the revised BC2 conditions, Non-Rated Corrective Action Request/s will be issued, with a negotiated timeframe for rectification.

Where non-compliance is identified for class/es 5.2, 7.2, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7 and where applicable class 6.1, in the period prior to the transition audit, a Corrective Action Request will be issued as per the AA General Policies.

After the transition audit, the BC2 site will operate under the Approved arrangement - Biosecurity containment level 2 (BC2) Conditions and any other arrangement as approved by the department.

Existing AA sites without Third Party Assessment (TPA) certification

For AA sites which do not have a current TPA as required under the new class conditions, the department will contact the biosecurity industry participants from those sites to explain the process to ensure their continued approval.

Existing AA sites with TPA certification

These TPA certificates remain current and valid provided the site has maintained Level 2 containment approval from the time of certificate issue to time of transition audit.

New approvals (approved on or after 18 January 2021)

From 18 January 2021 revised BC2 conditions will be applied for new approvals, and pre-approval audits will take place as per the AA General Policies.

Facilities applying for BC2 approval, that have been or are currently being assessed by a TPA, will have the assessed conditions remain valid throughout the application process, provided no more than 12 months have passed between certification and application.

Transition period

Transition audits will be conducted over the course of 2021. Biosecurity industry participants will be contacted directly by Audit and Assurance Group to schedule these audits.

5.3 – Biosecurity containment level 3

AA sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control which pose significant risks to animals, plants or humans if pest or disease associated with them spread outside the AA site and from which significant economic impact would result in the community or environment.

5.4 – Biosecurity containment level 4

AA sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control which pose serious life-threatening risks to animals, plants or humans if pests or disease associated with them spread outside the AA site and from which substantial economic impact would result to people, the community or environment.

Containment AA sites multiple room approval

This document outlines the requirements for determining when AA sites undertaking biosecurity containment using multiple rooms or laboratories can be approved as a single AA site.

Transfers between co-located AA sites checklists

These checklist are required whenever transporting goods that are subject to biosecurity control between co-located AA sites.

Approved arrangement sites used for the post entry quarantine (PEQ) of nursery stock such as aquatic plants, bulbs, seed lines, cuttings and other medium risk nursery stock are handled.

6.1 – Medium risk nursery stock

Approved arrangement sites used for nursery stock that is subject to biosecurity control in plant houses, glasshouses, polyhouses, igloos or tunnel houses, etc (excludes screen houses).

6.7 – Plant Process Management System

A class 6.7 approved arrangement is a single class approved arrangement for managing the biosecurity risk associated with the growth of restricted seed and plant material in post-entry quarantine (PEQ). The biosecurity activities under a 6.7 approved arrangement are required to be carried out at one or more approved arrangement sites under other (e.g. existing) arrangements held by the same entity which have classes appropriate for restricted and high risk plant material.

Contact Plant Import Operations at imports for more information on how to apply for a class 6.7 approved arrangement.

6.11 – Bulbs

Approved arrangement sites used for bulbs that are subject to biosecurity control in open areas.

Approved arrangement sites used for holding imported animals. Where applicable, class 7 requirements should be read in conjunction with the appropriate Australian/New Zealand Standard as listed in individual classes.

7.1 – Aquarium fish

Approved arrangement site used for holding live fresh water and marine ornamental fin fish that are subject to biosecurity control.

7.2 – Biosecurity insectary containment level 2

AA sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control which present a moderate hazard to facility personnel or to the environment.

Biosecurity containment level 2 conditions now apply for approved arrangement sites housing biosecurity goods that pose a moderate biosecurity risk.

Applications for this class are no longer being accepted, please refer to class specific conditions for class 5, Biosecurity containment level 2.

7.3 – Biosecurity insectary containment level 3

Approved arrangement sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control which pose significant risks to animals, plants or humans if pest or disease associated with them spread outside the site and from which significant economic impact would result in the community or environment.

7.4 – Biosecurity insectary containment level 4

Approved arrangement sites used for goods subject to biosecurity control which pose significant risks to animals, plants or humans if the insect, pest or disease associated with them spread outside the site and from which significant economic impact would result in the community or environment.

7.5 – Laboratory rodents

Approved arrangement sites used for the purpose of holding live laboratory rodents that are subject to biosecurity control.

Biosecurity containment level 2 conditions now apply for approved arrangement sites housing biosecurity goods that pose a moderate biosecurity risk.

Applications for this class are no longer being accepted, please refer to class specific conditions for class 5, Biosecurity containment level 2.

7.6 – Laboratory xenopus

Approved arrangement sites used for the purpose of holding live laboratory xenopus that are subject to biosecurity control.

Biosecurity containment level 2 conditions now apply for approved arrangement sites housing biosecurity goods that pose a moderate biosecurity risk.

Applications for this class are no longer being accepted, please refer to class specific conditions for class 5, Biosecurity containment level 2.

7.7 – Laboratory fish

Approved arrangement sites used for the purpose of holding live laboratory fish that are subject to biosecurity control.

Biosecurity containment level 2 conditions now apply for approved arrangement sites housing biosecurity goods that pose a moderate biosecurity risk.

Applications for this class are no longer being accepted, please refer to class specific conditions for class 5, Biosecurity containment level 2.

7.8 – Defence and Police dogs

Approved arrangement sites used for the purpose of holding Defence and Police dogs that are subject to biosecurity control.

Nominated veterinary hospital reference

This reference details the requirements for nominated veterinary hospitals when providing veterinary care for Defence and Police dogs subject to biosecurity control.

7.9 – Zoo animals

Approved arrangement sites used for the isolation, examination and testing of live imported zoo animals as required by import permit conditions.

Initial approval

The initial approval process described below applies when a zoo importer doesn’t have an approved:

• facility/enclosure onsite that’s previously been approved for the import of animals
• arrangement reference number issued by the department.

Due to the generic nature of the class 7.9 requirements, applicants seeking approval under this class will need to:

• identify the species for which an import permit will be sought
• have an area to be used for the post-arrival quarantine of the imported animals identified
• submit a post-arrival quarantine procedures manual for the proposed species for assessment
• be ready for an onsite audit.

It is not uncommon for zoos to operate a single multi-use/species enclosure. Applicants should advise at the time of applying that the enclosure is to be used for subsequent imports of different species. By providing this information upfront, the importer may decrease the level of audit required through subsequent site assessments for different species. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

New applications and subsequent import requests for approval for a class 7.9 must be accompanied by a post-arrival quarantine procedures manual for the proposed species that is approved by regional Veterinary Exports and Meat Group (VEMG). Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

Please contact your regional VEMG team at:

• QLD Agriculture - Live Animal Imports
  QldLiveAnimalImports@aff.gov.au
• Sydney/NSW/ACT:
  CerAnimalimports@aff.gov.au
• Melbourne/VIC
  seanimal@aff.gov.au
• Perth/WA
  WAliveanimalimports@aff.gov.au
• Adelaide/SA
  animalexpnoisa@aff.gov.au

Once you have received the required approvals from Live Animal Imports Program you may contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

Once the approved arrangement is approved, the import permit may be issued and the proposed import can then occur.

Post approval

The post-approval process described below applies after an imported animal has completed its post-arrival quarantine period.

Once the imported species has completed the required post-arrival quarantine period, the approved arrangement approval can be suspended to indicate that the site is no longer required for biosecurity control. By doing this, the site won’t be subject to additional, ongoing audits.

To suspend the approval, the biosecurity industry participant is required to notify Approved Arrangements that the post-arrival quarantine period has ended, provide a copy of the release record and request a voluntary suspension. Following notification, the approved arrangement will be suspended until the biosecurity industry participant requests for the suspension to be lifted.

The request to lift the suspension can be made any time prior to the next import, however a minimum of 15 working days’ notice is required.

Failure to request a voluntary suspension at the end of post-arrival quarantine period will result in the department scheduling audits to ensure compliance with approved arrangement requirements.

Additional requirements for subsequent imports

The requirements for subsequent imports described below applies when a zoo importer:

• has previously imported animals into an approved arrangement site and has decided to import again
• does have an approved arrangement reference number issued by the department.

Due to the broad scope of species eligible for importation and the associated variation in structures required to ensure containment of each species, for the importation of each subsequent species, applicants will need to:

• apply for a specific import permit
• provide their approved arrangement reference number
• provide regional VEMG an amended procedures manual detailing the specific post-arrival quarantine procedures for that species
• provide to regional VEMG details of the area to be used for the post-arrival quarantine of the animals
• be ready for an onsite audit.

Once the amended procedures manual is endorsed by the regional VEMG team contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

7.10 – Fertile poultry hatching eggs

Approved arrangement sites used for the holding of fertile poultry hatching eggs and the resultant stock that are subject to biosecurity control.

Applications for approval for a class 7.10 must be accompanied by a site operations manual/standard operating procedure that is approved by the Horse, Livestock and Bird Imports Program and meets current import permit and biosecurity risk management requirements. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

Before applying for a class 7.10 approved arrangement, requests for assessment of the site operations manual/standard operating procedure must be submitted to imports.

Once you have received the required approvals from Horse, Livestock and Bird Imports Program please contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

The published document has been prepared by the department. Some components of this document do not fully comply with Australian Government accessibility guidelines. If you have any problems using this document, please contact Approved Arrangements.

7.11 – Commercial rabbits

Approved arrangement sites used to undertake the isolation, examination, treatment and testing of imported live commercial rabbits as required by Import Permit conditions.

Applications for approval for a class 7.11 must be accompanied by a site operations manual/standard operating procedure that is approved by the department's Live Animal Imports Program in Canberra. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

Before applying for a class 7.11 approved arrangement, requests for assessment of the site operations manual/standard operating procedure must be submitted to imports.

Once you have received the required approvals from Live Animal Imports Program please contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

7.12 – Live horses

Approved arrangement sites used to undertake the isolation, examination and treatment of live imported horses as required by Import Permit conditions.

Applications for approval for a class 7.12 must be accompanied by a site operations manual/standard operating procedure that is approved by the department's Live Animal Imports Program in Canberra. Applications that do not provide this information will be considered incomplete.

Before applying for a class 7.12 approved arrangement, requests for assessment of the site operations manual/standard operating procedure must be submitted to imports.

Once you have received the required approvals from Live Animal Imports Program please contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply.

Approved arrangement sites used for the disposal of biosecurity waste.

8.1 – Incineration

Approved arrangement sites used for the incineration of biosecurity waste to irreducible ash.

8.2 – Deep burial

Approved arrangement sites used for the deep burial of biosecurity waste.

8.3 – Autoclave

Approved arrangement sites used for the autoclave treatment of biosecurity waste.

8.4 – Other treatments for biosecurity waste

Contact Approved Arrangements for more information on how to apply for a class 8.4 approved arrangement.

Approved arrangement sites used for the management of biosecurity waste. Previously compliance agreements.

10.2 – Biosecurity waste collection

Approved arrangement sites used for the collection of biosecurity waste.

10.5 – Biosecurity waste storage

Approved arrangement sites used for the storage of biosecurity waste.

10.6 – Biosecurity waste transport

Approved arrangement sites used for the transportation of biosecurity waste.

AA sites used for the management of containers. Previously compliance agreements.

11.2 – External container treatment

AA utilised for the removal of external contamination from imported shipping containers leaving the port, including the domestic conveyance used to move the container.

Class 12 treatment arrangements authorise the treatment of goods subject to biosecurity control at an approved arrangement site, under a biosecurity direction from the department. Biosecurity directions for fumigation or heat treatment are only issued for approved arrangement sites that hold a specific class of arrangement.

Directions for:

• methyl bromide fumigation (class 12.1) or sulfuryl fluoride fumigation (class 12.2) are issued primarily for performance at an approved arrangement site holding approval for class 4.6 – fumigation
• heat treatment (class 12.3) are issued for performance at an approved arrangement site holding approval for class 4.1 – heat treatment site.

Note:

• The biosecurity industry participant for the class 4.6 or 4.1 approved arrangement site and the class 12 arrangement do not need to be the same entity.
• Some consignments will need action performed to make them suitable for treatment. This action could involve re-arranging cartons/packages in the container to create air space or the slashing or removal of plastic wrapping.
• For brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) treatment, holding a class 12 arrangement alone does not allow a department approved treatment provider to conduct in-container action to make the consignment suitable for treatment, as referenced in the following Industry Advice Notices (IAN):
  • for fumigation, refer to IAN 147-2020 - Streamlined brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) fumigation arrangements available
  • for heat treatment, refer to IAN 146-2020 - Enhanced brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) heat treatment arrangements
• To undertake in-container remedial actions to make consignments suitable for BMSB treatment, additional specific conditions need to be added to a treatment provider’s class 12 approved arrangement. These conditions are included in the above IANs.
• Treatment providers applying for a class 12 approved arrangement and who want the ability to undertake in-container action for BMSB treatment must indicate this in their application for an approved arrangement. Applicants should state ‘BMSB in-container remedial action’ in their application. Biosecurity industry participants with existing class 12 arrangements may also apply to vary their approved arrangement to add this activity.

12.1 – methyl bromide fumigation

Approved arrangement that authorises accredited fumigators to perform onshore methyl bromide fumigation treatment on goods subject to biosecurity control, under the direction of the department.

Further information:

• Methyl bromide fumigation methodology
• Guide to performing QPS fumigation with methyl bromide
• Methyl bromide fumigation certificate template
• Record of methyl bromide fumigation template
• Record of methyl bromide fumigation for perishables template

Note: scroll past the BMSB documents to access the templates for non-BMSB fumigations.

12.2 – sulfuryl fluoride fumigation

Approved arrangement that authorises accredited fumigators to perform onshore sulfuryl fluoride fumigation treatment on goods subject to biosecurity control, under the direction of the department.

Further information:

• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation methodology
• BMSB sulfuryl fluoride fumigation certificate – third party approved program – template
• BMSB sulfuryl fluoride fumigation certificate – template
• How to complete a BMSB sulfuryl fluoride fumigation certificate
• BMSB record of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation – imperial – template
• BMSB record of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation – metric – template

12.3 – heat treatment

Approved arrangement that authorises the performance of heat treatment on goods subject to biosecurity control, under the direction of the department.

Further information:

• Heat treatment methodology
• BMSB Record of heat treatment – template

13.1 – Second conveyances

AA for the management of the receipt of goods and persons onto second conveyances (installations and petroleum industry vessels).

Approved arrangements that authorise a biosecurity industry participant to carry out specified biosecurity activities on goods subject to biosecurity control.

14.4 – rural tailgate inspection

Biosecurity industry participants that hold class 14.4 as part of their approved arrangement can perform rural tailgate inspections on certain imported containers that are destined for unpack in a rural area.

Notes:

•  Rural tailgate inspections performed under class 14.4 are restricted to certain container types. Please refer to the ‘scope’ section of the class 14.4 conditions document.
• There are biosecurity directions specific to rural tailgate inspections performed under class 14.4. The location at which the rural tailgate inspection is directed to occur must be an approved arrangement site that holds class 14.4.
• The approved arrangement site where a rural tailgate inspection is performed under class 14.4 must:
  • be operated by the biosecurity industry participant performing the rural tailgate inspection activity - performing rural tailgate inspections at other sites is not permitted.
  • hold approval for either class 1.1 - Sea and air freight depot (unrestricted) or 1.3 - Sea and air freight depot (restricted)
  • hold approval for class 4.3 – cleaning, with a wash bay size of at least 16 metres by 5 metres
  • hold approval to facilitate rural tailgate inspection performed by the department, which involves maintaining a certified sea container inspection stand. This is to facilitate departmental inspection activities, if needed.
• The biosecurity industry participant approved to carry out class 14.4 rural tailgate inspection activities may only conduct the activity at the site covered by their own approved arrangement. They are not permitted to carry out the activity at other sites.
• Biosecurity industry participants performing rural tailgate inspections under class 14.4 are not required to have additional container inspection facilities to those provided at the site for rural tailgate inspections performed by a biosecurity officer. Please refer to the ‘Site requirements’ section of the class 14.4 conditions document. The Class 14.4 conditions document is provided in the below table.
• The department’s rural tailgate container inspection record that is referenced in the class 14.4 conditions document is provided below.

How to apply for class 14.4 approval

Note: Completed applications to vary an approved arrangement must be emailed to aa.canberra@aff.gov.au.

Arrangements that enable accredited persons to assess documents for clearance of non-commodity concerns for containerised sea freight and specified commodity groups.

A compliance guide is available to provide accredited persons and biosecurity industry participants with details of how to remain compliant with broker approved arrangements conditions.

19.1 – Non-commodity for containerised cargo clearance

Arrangement for performing and reporting on non-commodity statements and documentary assessments for FCL, FCX and LCL sea-freight consignments, unpack location postcode assessment of FCL and FCX sea-freight consignments and the direction of these consignments to sites operating under an approved arrangement.

19.2 – Automatic entry processing for commodities

The arrangement enables accredited persons to assess documentation for commodities in-scope of the arrangement.

43.1 – Disinsection treatments

Class 43.1 approved arrangements (AA) apply to the treatment of international aircraft by disinsection to prevent the introduction of potential disease and harmful pests. These arrangements apply to aircraft flying into Australia and New Zealand.

Effective 2 August 2021, the WHO aircraft disinsection method and procedures were incorporated into the Schedule of aircraft disinsection procedures for flights into Australia and New Zealand and WHO aircraft disinsection methods and procedures, 2nd ed.

Before applying for a class 43.1 approved arrangement, email the Aircraft Arrivals Program at arrivals@aff.gov.au to obtain department endorsement of:

• your internal disinsection procedures
• contracts of service if you are using a third party to perform disinsection treatments.

How to apply

Once you receive Aircraft Arrivals Program endorsement of your airline’s disinsection procedures and relevant contracts of service, email Approved Arrangements at AA.Canberra@aff.gov.au for an application form.

Email the endorsed disinsection procedures and contracts of service (if applicable) with your completed form to Approved Arrangements. Applications not accompanied by these documents will not be accepted.

Application requirements

Your procedures must be written in English.

You must provide a separate contract of service for each third-party treatment provider you intend on using to perform disinsection treatments.

After approval

As the biosecurity industry participant responsible for the AA, you must ensure any third parties that you contract comply with the AA conditions and endorsed procedures.

All treatment providers (including the third party’s employees, contractors, or personnel) must perform the disinsection treatment as detailed in the endorsed internal disinsection procedures.

You must email Aircraft Arrivals Program at arrivals@aff.gov.au of any changes to third-party treatment providers.

The AA declarant, manager or contact must advise the email Approved Arrangements AA.Canberra@aff.gov.au at least 15 business days prior to the proposed date of any changes to your AA.