Quarantine Procedures for Containers

• 2.1 Proclaimed ports
• 2.2 Release of FCL/FCX containers
  • 2.2.1 Release of FCL/FCX containers carrying goods not subject to Australian quarantine requirements
  • 2.2.2 Release of FCL containers carrying goods subject to Australian quarantine requirements
  • 2.2.3 Incorrectly documented and prohibited goods
• 2.3 Release of LCL containers
• 2.4 Release of Imported Empty Containers

2.1 Proclaimed ports

Containers may only be imported into Australia through proclaimed ports where quarantine staff and facilities are available. Please see the Quarantine Proclamation 1998, Part 2, for information on first ports of entry, landing places and quarantine stations.

2.2 Release of FCL/FCX containers

The release of FCL/FCX/LCL containers from the wharf/terminal to the consignee's premises may be permitted if the following requirements are met:

• the exterior of the container is free of contamination by soil, animal or plant material
• the goods, packaging and interior of the container are not contaminated with quarantine risk material, and the goods are not subject to further quarantine intervention
• no timber has been used as packaging or, if timber has been used as packaging it meets AQIS’ bark quarantine requirements and the timber has been treated (refer to Approved Treatments for Timber web page) or marked with ISPM 15, NIMP 15 or NIMF 15 compliant stamps (Please see the ‘Timber packaging and dunnage' case on the AQIS Import Conditions database (ICON) for more information)
• no prohibited packaging material is used. All such material should be declared. Please see the 'Packaging materials for general use' case on ICON for further information.

There is an AQIS compliance scheme for the clearance of non-commodity concerns for containerised sea freight. For further information please see the Non Commodity for Containerised Cargo Clearance (CCC) Scheme.

2.2.1 Release of FCL/FCX containers carrying goods not subject to Australian quarantine requirements

FCL/FCX containers which conform to AQIS non-commodity requirements for packaging and internal container cleanliness and do not contain goods subject to further quarantine intervention may be released to unpacking addresses within the metropolitan area of the port of entry or within the metropolitan area of other approved ports. These containers are subject to random surveillance and may be selected for inspection.

However, release is still subject to external container contamination concerns as stated in Section 1.2 of ‘Quarantine issues associated with containers or the goods they carry’. If treatment is required the container will be directed to a Quarantine Approved Premises.

All non hard-frozen containers destined for rural unpacking addresses must undergo a rural tailgate inspection by AQIS and all documentation must be presented (e.g. packing and cleanliness declarations and any treatment certificates for timber packaging and dunnage used in the container).

For information on hard frozen and bulk liquid containers (ISO tanker/tank container) see the Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy.

2.2.2 Release of FCL containers carrying goods subject to Australian quarantine requirements

FCL/FCX containers carrying goods that are of quarantine concern will need to have all documentation presented to AQIS. An AQIS officer will assess the documentation and decide on the appropriate action for the goods e.g. release them from quarantine, or direct them to a Quarantine Approved Premises for an inspection, treatment, or to be held pending further information.

The action the officer takes will depend on whether the non-commodity requirements have been met and what the import conditions for the goods are. The AQIS Import Conditions database (ICON) provides information on import requirements for commodities.

Containers carrying goods subject to quarantine are only permitted to move to rural destinations if they are moving to a Quarantine Approved Premises for unpacking. They must first undergo a rural tailgate inspection by AQIS and all documentation must be presented (e.g. packing and cleanliness declarations and any treatment certificates for timber packaging and dunnage used in the container).

2.2.3 Incorrectly documented and prohibited goods

FCL/FCX containers carrying incorrectly documented goods can only be directed to a Class 1.1 Quarantine Approved Premises. Prohibited goods carried in FCL or LCL containers will be ordered into quarantine for destruction or export from Australia.

2.3 Release of LCL containers

Provided the external of the container is free from contamination, all LCL containers entering Australia will go to a Class 1.3 or 1.1 Quarantine Approved Premises for deconsolidation.

2.4 Release of Imported Empty Containers

The internal components of imported empty containers may be contaminated with quarantine risk material and are inspected by AQIS or an accredited third party under the Empty Container Scheme. If contamination is found in/on the container, it must be cleaned or treated by an AQIS approved method before it can be delivered or used to pack export product.