Changes to Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) documentation Requirements for the Clearance of Imported Cargo

Important Notice to Industry

AQIS have undertaken a review of the documentary requirements for the clearance of imported cargo.  Further information can be accessed directly from the AQIS website by clicking here.   The implementation date for the new policies and Packing Declarations is 1st August 2009, there will be a phase in period for Annual Packing Declarations and they will not be enforced until 1 January 2010.   AQIS will accept documentation issued in compliance with the new requirements immediately.   The following are the major documentary changes made by AQIS: 

Packing Declarations - Completing Packing Declarations & Prohibited Packaging Materials Statement

Annual Packing Declarations and consignment specific Packing Declarations must be issued by the packer or supplier of the goods.   The straw declaration that is currently required for Packing Declarations for all containerised cargo consignments has been changed to the 'Prohibited Packaging Materials Statement' to include other materials that cannot be used as packaging materials in consignments.

Change to the Treatment of Plywood and Veneer Packaging

The current newly manufactured plywood/veneer packaging declaration is no longer acceptable for packaging and dunnage.   Packaging and dunnage made from plywood/veneer must be declared as timber packaging and is subject to mandatory treatment.   

Methyl Bromide Fumigation Certificates – Plastic Wrapping Declaration

All treatment certificates issued for fumigation using methyl bromide must include a Plastic Wrap Declaration. The statement is to read: “This consignment has been fumigated prior to application of plastic wrapping or plastic wrapping used in the consignment conforms to the AQIS wrapping and perforation standard as found in the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard”  

Import Permits – Validity Requirements

All import permits must be valid at the time the goods are landed.   Please advise your overseas clients, agents and suppliers of these impending documentary changes to assist with complying with the new requirements, especially the change to Packing Declarations. 

The new consignment specific Packing Declarations can be located here 

Please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions