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News Archives
The following news items range from December 2002 to September 2004
AQIS releases draft ICON Strategic Information Management Plan (SIMP) for industry feedback....September 30, 2004
AQIS has released the SIMP that presents strategies to enhance the business and information management of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service’s (AQIS) import conditions. The expected outcome from this plan is a framework that delivers or supports the key business objectives of the Import Clearance and Border programs over the next three to five years.
The ICON Strategic Information Management Plan (SIMP) encompasses both information systems and business processes that relate to the management of AQIS import permits and the development and communication of AQIS import conditions and associated information. Industry is encouraged to provide feedback on the plan.
The plan includes several appendices which form part of the draft release. All documents are available here for download.
Frequently asked questions in regard to ISPM 15...7th September 2004
On 1 September 2004, Australia implemented the new international standard for solid wood packing and dunnage - the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) # 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15).
To assist clients AQIS have created an FAQ section for understanding the system better. To answer your questions go to the following link:
http://www.daff.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=EE3DC605-6E43-40BA-BDBDEFAA7E4DE7A6
Cargo Management e-bulletin for September now available... 6th September 2004
The September edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
AQIS imposes mandatory pre-shipment fumigation for Thai Mangosteens....20th August 2004
AQIS/BA has imposed mandatory pre-shipment fumigation for Thai mangosteens with effect from 23 August. Shipments arriving after that date that have not been fumigated pre shipment will be re-exported or destroyed. To read full notice see below.
Notice on Thai Mangosteens
Latest update on implementation of new standard for wood packaging....19th August 2004
For the latest industry notice from AQIS in regard to the implementation of ISPM 15...Click on notice below.
Industry Advice Notice 2004/16
AQIS announce implementation of new standard for Wood packaging for Exports....16th August 2004
Under the scheme wood packaging manufacturers and treatment providers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 will be authorised by AQIS to apply the internationally recognised mark to all wood packaging material produced for use in the export trade. It is anticipated that the scheme will be available by October 2004. For announcement click on link below.
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=661A8EBD-E062-4728-9AFBE020B960323B
AQIS announce implementation of new standard for Wood packaging on September 1, 2004. New packing declarations now required for FCL and LCL consignments...16th August 2004
On 1 September 2004, Australia will implement the new international standard for solid wood packing and dunnage - the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) # 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15).
To view this announcement and the proposed new packing declarations please click on link below:
Notice to Industry
FCL Packing Declaration
LCL Packing Declaration
AQIS announce harmonisation of Giant African Snail insecttion regime across Australia
A notice to industry has been released that deals with the combining of the AQIS GAS Country action list with the Northern Territory GAS Risk Countries list. To download click on file: GAS Notice to industry
AQIS postpone potentially difficult timber declarations requirements
The requirements of providing botanical names for at least genus level for timber products imported into Australia have been postponed for technical and operational reasons and will NOT be introduced from 1 September 2004. To read more go to link below.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_alertscontent.asp
Cargo Management e-bulletin for August now available... 5th August 2004
The August edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
AICCC announces change in representation for ACCI...August 2, 2004
The AICCC would like to announce the appointment of Ms Leigh Bryant as the representative of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry within the AICCC and the IWGQ. Ms Bryant has replaced Dr. Brent Davis who has stood down due to other commitments.
For contact details refer to membership
AQIS changes policy on seals...July 31, 2004
Public Quarantine Alert PQA0358
In accordance with the newly released policy, AQIS issued seals will only be used to re-seal containers requiring further quarantine intervention (i.e. the container requires additional inspection, treatment, sampling etc). Under these circumstances, the AQIS officer will supply a seal and record the seal number on the quarantine entry.
For containers not requiring further quarantine intervention (i.e. passed quarantine), AQIS will not supply a seal or record seal numbers in the quarantine entry. If, for security reasons, the importer requests the container to be resealed, the importer or their agent will be required to supply a seal and perform any administrative duties relating to the use of the seal (i.e. recording the seal number on the invoice or in a database). If requested, AQIS officers will verify the industry supplied seal number by signing consignment documentation.
For further information, please contact Amy Guihot, Acting Manager, Cargo Logistics Unit on phone 02 6272 5597 or fax 02 6272 5888. or go to link:
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8449
Imported Food Notice dealing with contestable laboratory service...July 8 2004
Imported Food Inspection Scheme notice 30/04 dealing with stage 3 of the implementation of contestable laboratory services has been issued.
Please note that further notices on this issue are expected. Go to link to view notice.
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=7665D405-EFFE-43EE-8978440880616AB6
Cargo Management e-bulletin for July now available... 5th July 2004
The July edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
Important Update on Wood Packaging Standards...June 26 2004
A quarantine alert has been issued in regard to the change in implementation date for ISPM 15 from July 1 to September 1 2004. The new guidelines will chnage the AQIS import conditions for solid wood packaging material and dunnage. Go to link to review notice.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8270
New ICON alerts posted....June 21 2004
ICON alerts for week of June 15 to 20 have been posted in ICON alerts section
Report on AQIS Import Clearance Electronic Systems...June 20 2004
Please find attached for your information the latest report to stakeholders regarding AQIS Import Clearance Electronic Systems. The purpose of the report is to keep stakeholders informed on key current issues and developments in IT systems. However, each report cannot cover all issues so we will attempt to rotate topics around.
This report covers Automatic Entry Processing (AEP) for AIMS and an update on building an audit trail into AIMS. Progress on major developments in ICON will be included in the next report.
Report attached
Industry notice regarding International standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15.....20th June 2004
Notice to Industry No 20 regarding country implementation dates for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15: Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade (ISPM 15) has been published on the Internet at:
http://www.daff.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=5004A72A-0B7D-4441-988D67815F27F4C0
The document is also attached. The Notice was last updated on 15 June 2004. As new information comes to hand, AQIS will update this Notice to Industry (No. 20) accordingly.
The information in the Notice is provided as a guide only. The Notice emphasises that individual country implementation dates may change without notice and that it is the responsibility of the exporter to determine and comply with the importing country requirements at the time of export.
Cargo Management e-bulletin for June now available... 5th June 2004
The June edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
New ICON alerts posted....28th May 2004
The alerts below were posted on 27th May 2004
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8324 change in pig meat import conditions
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8347 coir fibre products, change to import procedures as of 1st July 2004.
Alerts and weekly changes listed in "ICON Alerts"
Cargo Management e-bulletin for May now available... 7th May 2004
The May edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available, including news on the broker reports system and the latest AICCC meeting. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
The 37th Meeting of AICCC on April 27 in Canberra ....30th April 2004
The 37th meeting of the AICCC has been held in Canberra on April 27 and to view the issues discussed please download the attached agenda.
Download Agenda
Cargo Management e-bulletin for April now available... 5th April 2004
The april edition of the Cargo management e-bulletin is now available. To download the e-bulletin click below
E-Bulletin (PDF version)
E-Bulletin (Word version)
Notice of proposed changes to AQIS import conditions for timber packaging compliant with ISPM15 Guidelines...5th April 2004
The link below will get you to an ICON notice that sets out the proposed changes to AQIS import conditions for timber packaging compliant with ISPM15 Guidelines.
This is an important notice that will, in time, have a considerable impact on all aspects of trade.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8270
Change of date for mandatory treatement of Douglas Fir Timber ...1st April 2004
The initial date proposed for implementing mandatory treatment requirements of 6 May 2004 has been put back to 7 June 2004. This is to allow provision of relevant technical information and assessment of alternative treatment and/or risk management options to those currently approved for treatment for Pine Pitch Canker.
Download amendment notice
New system to enable importers to engage laboratories other than AGAL to test their samples...1st April 2004
AQIS is introducing a system that will enable importers to engage laboratories other than AGAL to test their samples. The new system will be introduced over the next few months, but should be fully implemented by 1 July 2004. There will be a series of Imported Food Notices to explain how the new system will operate and what the responsibilities of importers, laboratories and AQIS will be. The first of these notices is attached.
Please do not hesitate to contact the AICCC secretariat , if there are any questions on this change.
Download IF Notice
All Douglas Fir Timber imported from the USA after May 6 subject to mandatory treatment...29th March 2004
Due to the finding of disease symptoms of Pine Pitch Canker on Douglas Fir imported from the USA during an inspection in New Zealand, AQIS has announced a mandatory treatment for all Douglas Fir imported from the USA after May 6. In the meantime AQIS and Biosecurity Australia are reviewing with the American Lumber Standards Committee the effectiveness of the 56 degree for 30 seconds treatment for Pine Pitch Canker.
Download Quarantine alert or
Link to alert on the AQIS website http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8257
AQIS Broker Reports
A new AQIS system designed to keep brokers and other importers up to date with their quarantine entries has just been launched in Western Australia. The “Broker Reports” system allows brokers to monitor the progress of AQIS services and fees related to each quarantine entry via the Internet. It will allow them to see the status of each entry, how much they currently owe and then (if the entry is finalised) find out the total amount owing, before the actual invoice is sent off from AQIS. This system is expected to eventually have a payments function so that brokers can make a direct payment to AQIS via the Internet site. The system has been designed for maximum flexibility by the end user (the broker / importer) and can be accessed through the Internet via a secure password logon.
The service will be progressively launched throughout Australia. To assist users to plan for the implementation in each state please find enclosed a user manual
Broker Report User Manual: Download pdf file.
A permnaent section has been set up called "Broker reports" to hold this manual and to advise of further updates.
Bulletin No. 02-2004 issued by AQIS...4th March 2004
Welcome to the 2nd edition for 2004 of the Cargo Management eBulletin, a joint initiative between AQIS Cargo Management and the AQIS/Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC). Issues covered in the bulletin include AQIS "Broker Reports", QAP registration simplfication, an update on AQIS CMR and ICS issues and changes to seaport forms.
Click here to download bulletin. Word version. PDF version
Public Quarantine Alert PQA0317...19 February 19 2004
Imported Fishmeal Consignments to be tested for Ruminant DNA Must be Held at a Category 1 Quarantine Approved Premise.
Due to a critical non-conformity relating to the unauthorised release of fishmeal from a Quarantine Approved Premise (QAP), it has been determined that all imported fishmeal consignments that require ruminant DNA testing (as detailed in the import permit conditions) must be held at a Category 1 Quarantine Approved Premises (1.1; or 1.2; or 1.3) operated by a third party provider (not the buyer).
Download Alert
Bulletin No. 01-2004 issued by AQIS...6th February 2004
Welcome to the 1st edition for 2004 of the Cargo Management eBulletin, a joint initiative between AQIS Cargo Management and the AQIS/Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC). Issues covered in the bulletin include Australian and New Zealand governments working to improve burnt pine longicorn control and the working partnership between AQIS and industry plays a role in finalising temporary fee reductions.
Click here to download bulletin. Word version. PDF version
ICON conditions amended due to threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The ICON conditions for "Feathers - Animal tissue not present" and "Feathers - Manufactured articles containing feathers" for both non-commercial and commercial consignments have been amended following advice from Biosecurity Australia in relation to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). As detailed under the ICON commodities "Feathers - Animal tissue not present" and "Feathers - Manufactured articles containing feathers" all consignments from countries with HPAI (as listed in C9884) are subject to gamma irradiation at 50 kGray (5 Mrad) prior to release from quarantine regardless of treatments prior to export.
Changes have therefore been made to the Conditions, Inspection Procedures and Risk/Background. Condition C9884 lists countries with recorded cases of HPAI and will be updated as necessary.
A public ICON alert has also been issued along these lines.
For further information go to links below:
http://www.affa.gov.au - link to AFFA website http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon - link to Import Conditions Database (ICON) http://www.aqis.gov.au/importapp - permit application form http://www.aqis.gov.au/biolcheck -checklist for importing biological products
Quarantine watch on New Zealand arrivals back to normal...27th January 2004
Quarantine inspections for ships arriving from Auckland will return to normal from today (Tuesday, January 27).
For the past week, AQIS has been asking ships arriving from the Tasman crossing to enter port in daylight only, so that they can be inspected properly for burnt pine longicorn beetles.
The Contship Auckland was forced to return to New Zealand on Friday after an apparently freak beetle infestation saw AQIS order the vessel out of Port Botany last Tuesday.
However, no further beetles have been found since the incident. However, AQIS said that the threat of further beetle detections will remain high for several months, and inspectors will still monitor shipping closely. Shipping Australia said last week that it fully accepted the AQIS action, but had asked that the ban on daylight arrivals be lifted as soon as practical.
Update on Burnt Pine Longicorn Infestation aboard the MV Contship Auckland...24th January 2004
The purpose of this notice is to advise industry of further developments with respect to the Burnt Pine Longicorn detection aboard the MV Contship Auckland. During follow up inspections of the MV Contship Auckland at anchor, AQIS officers have continued to find live Burnt Pine Longicorn beetles (BPL). These continued detections of BPL and the associated risk of a BPL incursion have meant that the MV Contship Auckland is not permitted entry to any Australian port until such time as it is released from quarantine. CP Ships have advised AQIS that the vessel is returning to New Zealand to deal with the BPL infestation
To download AQIS updated notice Click here
Amendment to the BSE Country Categorisation List ....23rd January 2004
An amendment to the BSE Country Categorisation List for the United States and Chile and the requirements for the importation of beef products derived from animals slaughtered in the Uited States and canada prior to the date of notification of the OIE* has been issued by AQIS.
To download the Imported Food Notice. Click here.
Container deliveries delayed due to Burnt Pine Longicorn Infestation aboard the MV Contship Auckland....20th January 2004
During an inspection of the MV Contship Auckland in Sydney, AQIS staff discovered significant numbers of Arhopalus tristis - Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL). The BPL is a hitchhiker pest, which lands on timber and other goods while being loaded in New Zealand, especially during the night. If BPL were allowed to establish in Australia it could attack both eucalypt and pine trees. Due to the severity of the infestation, the MV Contship Auckland has been ordered into quarantine. Delivery of the 150 containers bound for Sydney, discharged from the vessel prior to the infestation being discovered, may be delayed by up to 2 days due to the additional treatment required to eradicate the BPL.
To download AQIS notice click here
AQIS details quarantine requirements in regard to confirmed USA case of BSE....19th January 2004
Due to the confirmed case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the USA, imports of BSE risk material from the USA manufactured after 29 December 2003 and containing BSE risk material have been temporarily suspended. For details of the quarantine requirements go to the folloiwng link.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quarantine+Alert&TopicID=8122
AQIS Import Clearance Fees....January 7, 2004
Please find enclosed advice from AQIS of temporary decreases to various import clearance fees in the period 12 January 2004 - 11 January 2005.
As mentioned in the notice the temporary decreases are as a result of the close consultation between AQIS and industry through the AQIS / Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC). The results of the consultation show the close working relationship between industry and AQIS and, the transparency in the process of determining appropriate fee structures of service delivery to cost effective outcomes.
As to all service delivery by regulatory agencies there is a cost equation and this issue was part of the Productivity Commission's Cost Recovery by Government Agencies Report No 15, 16 August 2001 which referenced, inter alia:
"The cost recovery arrangement of regulatory and information agencies may be effected by the government's arrangements of these agencies. Key elements of governance include: the transference of agencies and activities; the implementation of effective risk and financial management; and accountability to government, users and the public through clear and timely disclosure."
Industry through the AICCC has been able to ensure the appropriate level of transparency in terms of AQIS service to cost delivery. This however has not been the case in terms of other regulatory agency user pays or cost recovery processes that impact on the import clearance process. Industry in these circumstances has not been able to adjudge appropriate cost benefit or cost effectiveness as to the charges applied.
Download Notice
NZMAF enforcing Import Health Standards for import sea containers....January 5 2004
The NZMAF will be enforcing cleanliness certifications and other documentary requirements to cover container shipments. The attachment sets out the NZMAF requirements for the logistics chain. Your particular attention is drawn to the section that deals with “information required prior to arrival” and the enforcement dates (page 4). Download NZMAF requirements
In addition the links below may be of interest and if required enable you to be placed on MAF mailing lists.
http://www.maf.govt.nz/quarantine/index.htm
http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/border/papers/sea-container-review/index.htm
http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/mailing-lists/index.htm
AQIS issue new Food Notice to confirm suspension of imports of US beef and beef products...January 1, 2004
Further to imported food notice 39/03 Presumptive positive BSE case in the United States of America, the presumptive BSE case has now been confirmed by the reference laboratory in the United Kingdom.
The OIE’s official confirmation of the BSE case in the US was posted on the web on 29 December 2003 (30 December 2003 Australian local time).
In line with FSANZ advice this means that all imports of beef and beef product of US origin are suspended from this date.
With regard to beef and beef products currently being held by AQIS and those that are is in transit which were exported from the US before the 30 December 2003 (Australian time), FSANZ will assess the risk associated with these products on a case by case basis to determine what action should be taken with these products. This is in line with the approach taken for beef and beef products of US origin that are on the domestic market. Download IFIS Notice 40/03
Australian importers alerted to Mad Cow risk after confirmation of case in USA...December 30
As you may be aware on 24 December 2003 the USA announced a possible case of BSE in a dairy cow in Washington State. Samples were sent to the UK and the case was confirmed on 26 December. As a result, the Biologicals Unit has issued an ICON alert to advise importers and AQIS staff that products containing BSE risk material will not be permitted entry into Australia. The ICON alert and the Imported Food Inspections Scheme Notice 39/03 are enclosed below.
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_topiccontent.asp?TopicType=Quaranti
Download IFIS Notice 39/03
The Biologicals Unit is in the process of identifying all permits for products containing BSE risk material and will be revoking or amending any affected permits. Importers will be notified by mail of their changed permit status. The Biologicals Unit is also working closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to ensure that all agencies are aware of these actions.
Exporters to comply with internationally recognised phytosanitary control measures....10 December 2003
China has joined the United States, Canada, New Zealand in issuing a SPS notification that it intends to apply the new international standards for wood packaging material . The attached is the notification by China to the WTO re adaptation of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM15) being "guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade". The notification sets the 10th February 2004 as the final day for comments
The”ISPM15” issue has been on the agenda of the IWGQ / AICCC for the past few months and the standard has been widely available to industry. AQIS indicated its acceptance of the standard in e-Bulletin No 4 (see bulletin in News) and by an ICON alert notice.
The impact on import cargo movements is seen as relatively minimal as the ISPM15 standard is slightly below the current Australian import conditions applicable to wooden packaging material; also strict documentary procedures are an accepted standard of the AQIS import clearance process.
Exporters will need to comply with the relevant standard and that will involve the setting up of some internationally recognised phytosanitary control measures for Australian providers of treatment of wood packing material to the ISPM15 standard. The AICCC will follow up on local treatment and certification issues for export wood packaging and keep industry advised of any development
Download notification from China to WTO: China notification
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Go to ISPM standard http://www.ippc.int/servlet/BinaryDownloaderServlet/16259_ISPM_15_English.pdf?filename=1055161712885_ISPM15_e.pdf&refID=16259
Download AICCC36 Agenda Item on ISPM15 issues: Agenda Item
AQIS release Service Charter...December 4, 2003
AQIS understands the importance of recognising the needs of stakeholders, increasing their employee’s awareness of customer service obligations and ensuring the delivery of quality customer services. To this end AQIS has released a "Service Charter" to provide its clients and stakeholders with information on their mutual responsibilities, reasonable expectations for service standards, offer the opportunity to provide feedback on its performance and to supply direct contact details within AQIS.
The Charter invites clients' and stakeholders' comments on a range of service delivery matters. The new charter can be found at the following link:
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060A1B00992
Imported Food Consultative Committee meeting....28 November 2003
The Imported Food Consultative Committee (IFCC) met in Canberra on 21 November 2003. For a copy of the meeting report download from here. Download report
Imported Food Inspection Scheme Notice 33/03 ...24 November 2003
The latest Imported Food Notice is now available for downloading. Download here
Changes to Quarantine Heat Treatment for Timber, Wood Packaging and Dunnage...11 November 2003
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