Industry Arrangements: Generic Glossary

Accredited person

A person employed or contracted by the Other Party or QAP operator who has successfully completed a training course approved by DAFF Biosecurity for that purpose and meets all of the prerequisites detailed in the arrangement for which the accreditation applies.

ACS

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

AEP for Commodities

Automatic Entry Processing for Commodities.

AEP for FCL

Automatic Entry Processing for Full Container Loads.

AEP System

Automatic Entry Processing system. The system that processes the electronic import declarations lodged through the ICS by accredited persons that include AQIS Processing Types.

AIMS

AQIS Import Management System. The electronic system that enables lodgement and processing of imported consignments based on data entered via ICS.

AIN

AQIS Identification Number. A unique number used to identify treatment providers.

Airlock

An area or room between a pair of doors that separates the quarantine area inside a facility from other facilities, or other spaces outside the facility. The airlock permits the movement of personnel without affecting the inward flow of air into the quarantine area, since at least one door is kept closed at all times.  The airlock can function as a clothes change room (showers may be included), but must not be used for storing equipment or for performing any quarantine procedures.

Animal

Includes a dead animal and/or any part of an animal.

Announced Audit

A scheduled audit performed by DAFF Biosecurity where the Other Party or QAP operator is given notification before it occurs.

Anteroom

An area or room between a pair of doors through which access is had to the Quarantine Area inside a facility. The anteroom does not have to perform the same airflow control function as an airlock, but an airlock can perform the role of an anteroom. 

An anteroom at the QC1 or QC2 level must not be used for performing any quarantine procedures.

AQIS

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service now known as DAFF Biosecurity.

AQIS Premises ID

The code used by the AEP system to identify the location where an activity is to occur. These codes are added by accredited persons to the AQIS Premises ID field in the ICS when using AEP.

AQIS Processing Types

The codes used by the AEP system that identify to AQIS what documents the accredited person has accepted and what activity should be performed. These codes are added by accredited persons to the AQIS Processing Type field in the ICS when using AEP.

AQIS Processing Types determine what quarantine directions will be added to the Import Declaration by the AEP system.

Audit

A systematic examination of the Other Party or QAP operator’s systems to determine whether procedures, activities and arrangements have been implemented effectively, and are suitable to achieve the requirements of the compliance agreement or QAP conditions and meet the outcomes of the arrangement.

Audit Review Rate

The number of formal audits performed within the review period.

Bark

The external natural layer covering trees and branches. This material is distinct and separable from processed timber.

Barrier

The point at which imported goods, passengers, crews, ships etc are subject to quarantine intervention, e.g. airports, seaports and mail centres.

Bond Register

List of consignees with details, produced by a High Volume Specialist Operator (HVSO).

Border

The geographical areas of Australia subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 (Cwlth). (Pre-border refers to the area beyond the border of Australia)

Breach

A failure to comply with quarantine legislation or policies or the requirements of the compliance agreement or QAP conditions.

Broker Accreditation Course

The training course approved by DAFF Biosecurity which when successfully completed enables the participant to become an accredited person under the Non-commodity for Containerised Cargo Clearance scheme.

Broker

A person authorised/licensed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, generally employed by a Brokerage, to clear goods through Customs and Quarantine.

Brokerage

A company that employs Brokers licensed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, to clear goods through Customs and Quarantine.

Care, skill and diligence

Is defined as the standard of care which a reasonable person in a like position would exercise taking into account all circumstances.

CCC

Containerised Cargo Clearance.

Class 2.6 Empty Container Parks (Shipping)

Quarantine Approved Premises utilised for the handling, storage, inspection and treatment of empty shipping containers. These premises are approved for internal inspection of containers, and following the detection of items of quarantine concern, the subsequent disposal of the material and/or referral to DAFF Biosecurity for treatment.

Clean, Cleaned, Cleaning

Removal of all quarantine risk material including soil, dirt, faeces, leaves, twigs, grass and any other plant or animal material.

Commodity

As per Goods.

Company stamp or seal

A stamp or seal that is used by an incorporated business entity to make an impression on a document that certifies that document as being correct, and assigns the document with an identifier or direct link to that business entity.

Compliance Agreement

A legally binding agreement between DAFF Biosecurity/the Commonwealth and an Other Party, which requires the Other Party to meet specific requirements in respect of goods in an agreed manner.

Container

An article of transport equipment (lift-van, movable tank or other similar structure):

a) fully or partially enclosed to constitute a compartment intended for containing goods;

b) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use;

c) specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods, by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading;

d) designed for ready handling, particularly when being transferred from one mode of transport to another;

e) designed to be easy to fill and to empty; and

f) having an internal volume of one cubic metre or more.

Container Inspection Area

The portion of a QAP designated for performing inspections of containers.

Contamination

Quarantine risk material including, but not limited to, soil, insects, dirt, faeces, leaves, twigs, grass and any other plant or animal material adhering to goods, included with goods or associated with packaging accompanying goods.

Corrective Action Request (CAR)

A formal document which records and details non-conformities detected during an audit of an Other Party or QAP operator’s performance against the requirement of their compliance agreement or QAP approval, the proposed corrective action and the date for rectification.

Country (rural) Tailgate Inspection

As per rural (country) tailgate inspection

Critical Non-conformity

A deviation (or multiple deviations) from the documented compliance agreement or QAP approval that compromises the integrity of the arrangement in such a way that immediate corrective action/regulatory investigation is required by DAFF Biosecurity. Generally involves a breach of the legislation.

a) Notice submitted to DAFF Biosecurity advising the intention to import goods. Takes various forms depending on the method of import involved e.g. Incoming Passenger Cards are used in the airport environment.

b) document or documentation (certification) indicating that specified action has been undertaken prior to arrival in Australia, e.g. packing, fumigation etc

Deconsolidation

The process of unpacking a container for the purposes of inspection.

Designated Port

a) A first port of entry, landing place or a port where imported animals, plants or other goods may be landed as declared by the Quarantine Proclamation 1998; and

b) A port where there are sufficient quarantine officers available to allow for staff to respond to any possible contamination within a reasonable amount of time.

a) The admittance of goods across the barrier and into Australia.

b) An ACS/DAFF Biosecurity electronic document which details information relating to consignments of goods imported into Australia. Entries are generated using ICS and are also known as Import Declarations.

Perpetuation of a pest or disease for the foreseeable future, after its entry into Australia.

Likelihood of Establishment
The likelihood that a viable exotic pest or disease infects a susceptible host in Australia.

Includes:

a) in relation to an animal – carry out tests on, take samples from, or carry out a veterinary procedure on, the animal;

b) in relation to a plant – carry out tests on, take samples from, establish, cultivate, or undertake procedures for the diagnosis of a disease of, the plant; and

c) in relation to any other goods – carry out tests on, or take samples from, the goods; and

d) in relation to a vessel, installation or premises – carry out tests on, or take samples from, the vessel, installation or premises.

The whole of the space that is to be approved by DAFF Biosecurity to a specific level of containment. An approved facility comprises the Quarantine Area(s) and where applicable any anteroom or airlock used to enter or leave the facility. A facility may include different types of facilities such as animal, plant and/or insectary rooms of like containment level within a single physical containment barrier. 

Stairs or corridors may be considered part of a facility where they are within the containment barrier, meet the applicable containment level requirements and are not used as a thoroughfare or access route by persons not involved in quarantine operations.

FCX

An Australian Customs and Border Protection Service term referring to Full Container Loads with multiple Bills of Lading destined for the one unpack address. For quarantine purposes this is the same as FCL.

Fumigant

A chemical that at a particular temperature and pressure can exist in a gaseous state in sufficient concentration and for sufficient time to be lethal to insects or other pests.

Fumigation

Application of a fumigant to an enclosure to eradicate pests.

Fumigation Area

The portion of a QAP where goods are fumigated.

Fumigation Certificate

Documentation certifying that a fumigation treatment has been undertaken.

Gas Impervious Material

Includes plastic wrapping or laminated plastic films, lacquers or painted surfaces, aluminium foil, tarred or waxed paper.

Goods

Includes:

• An animal; and
• A plant (whether moveable or not); and
• Any other article, substance or thing (including but not limited to, any kind of moveable property; and, to remove any doubt, includes
• • mail of any kind and ballast water.

Hazard

A pest or disease threat.

Household Goods and Personal Effects Forwarder (HGF)

An entity involved in facilitating the international movement of household goods and unaccompanied personal effects. Many HGFs are also High Volume Specialist Operators (HVSO).

Household Goods and Unaccompanied Personal Effects

These consist of:

a) Consignments of less than 1m³ which may consist of clothing, books, food and souvenirs; or

b) Consignments greater than 1m³ consisting of part or whole contents of a household. Household goods may comprise furniture, clothing, manchester, electrical goods, tools and garden equipment, animal equipment and kitchen goods.

HVSO

High Volume Specialist Operator. A household goods and personal effects forwarder (HGF), which has been granted a Depot licence by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

ICON

Import Conditions Database. A DAFF Biosecurity database that holds the conditions for the import of goods, including permit conditions and treatments.

ICS

Integrated Cargo System.

IFC Act

Imported Food Control Act 1992.

Import Permit

A permit issued to an importer of goods pursuant to the Act.

Initial Audit

Refer to Pre-approved audit.

Incursion

The infestation or infection, post border and post barrier, by a viable exotic pest or disease.

Infestation

The presence of live insects, mites, spiders or other animals.

Inspection

An examination of documentation and/or goods to determine whether or not goods meet DAFF Biosecurity requirements. Examination may include tests, taking samples, or undertaking procedures for diagnosis.

Interception

Goods of quarantine interest detected as a result of an inspection.

Intervention

Application of any activity by a quarantine officer to determine if the goods are subject to quarantine.

Introduction

The entry of a pest or disease resulting in its establishment.

LCL

Less than Container Load. These consignments have multiple suppliers, importers and brokers.

Leakage

The movement of goods subject to quarantine undetected through the barrier.

Location Code

Refer to AQIS Premises ID.

Major Non-conformity

A deviation (or multiple deviations) from the documented procedures and/or requirements that may compromise the overall effectiveness of the compliance agreement or QAP approval, without breaching legislation.

Metropolitan Area

The suburban area around a Designated Port, for example around Sydney, Port Kembla, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The limits of the Metropolitan Area for any Designated Port are determined by assessment by DAFF Biosecurity Canberra. The postcode classifications are available in the Non-commodity Information Requirements Policy. Areas not classified as metropolitan are deemed non-metropolitan or rural.

Micro-organism

Means protozoa, fungi, free-living bacteria, cell dependent bacteria and viruses.

Minor Non-conformity

A deviation from the documented procedures and/or requirements that does not compromise the overall effectiveness of the compliance agreement or QAP approval.

Non-conformity/Non-conformities

A deviation or multiple deviations from the documented procedures and/or requirements, which is confirmed through the collection of objective evidence that shows discrepancies or lapses in discipline relating directly to either AQIS requirements or legislative requirements, and which may compromise the overall effectiveness of the compliance agreement or QAP approval.

Non-commodity

Non-commodity relates to any matter that is not directly related to the actual goods within a consignment. Non-commodity issues include (but are not limited to) transport pathways, packing materials, contamination (such as soil or animal/plant trash), giant African snail (GAS) issues and the presence of wooden packing.

Non-commodity Documentation

Any document that contains information used in making an assessment in respect of non-commodity concerns.

This Scheme requires accredited persons to assess non-commodity documentation in respect to FCL/X and LCL cargo against DAFF Biosecurity requirements and includes self-direction of FCL and LCL consignments by AEP.

This scheme replaces the previous Containerised Cargo Clearance for FCL/X, AEP for FCL and LCL Packing Schemes.

Quarantine applied to a consignment after entry. Also referred to as post-arrival quarantine.

QC1 or PC1

Quarantine Containment Level 1 or Physical Containment Level 1 is the whole of the space approved by DAFF Biosecurity in accordance with QAP class 5.1 criteria.

QC2 or PC2

Quarantine Containment Level 2 or Physical Containment Level 2 is the whole of the space approved by DAFF Biosecurity in accordance with QAP class 5.2 criteria.

A QC2 facility excludes lifts, stairs and corridors, but may include lockable quarantine storage areas outside or separate to the quarantine area where the work is undertaken.

The facility must be physically separate from offices.

QC3 or PC3

Quarantine Containment Level 3 or Physical Containment Level 3 is the whole of the space approved by DAFF Biosecurity in accordance with QAP class 5.3 criteria.

A QC3 facility may incorporate access and supporting rooms and interconnecting corridors or common space areas after entering through an airlock. It may compromise a number of like rooms such as three interconnecting microbiological laboratories but does not include combinations of different types of facilities such as animal, plant or insectary facilities within a physical containment barrier.

These facilities must be physically separate from offices used by containment facility personnel.

QC4 or PC4

Quarantine Containment Level 4 or Physical Containment Level 4 is the whole of the space approved by DAFF Biosecurity in accordance with QAP class 5.4 criteria.

A QC4 facility may incorporate access and supporting rooms and interconnecting corridors or common space areas after entering through an airlock. It may compromise a number of like rooms such as three interconnecting microbiological laboratories but does not include combinations of different types of facilities such as animal, plant or insectary facilities within a physical containment barrier.

These facilities must be physically separate from offices used by containment facility personnel and must include a body shower and inner and outer change room. Toilet cubicles and drinking water appliances may be included.

Quarantine Inspection Area

An area designated (within or adjacent to the quarantine area) for use by DAFF Biosecurity officers for the performance of inspections of goods subject to quarantine.

Quarantine Interest

Any goods, vectors, receptacles or locations subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 (Cwlth).

Quarantine Non-commodity Concern

Quarantine risk posed by anything other than the cargo itself and includes packing or contamination.

Quarantine Pest

A pest of potential economic and/or environmental importance to an area where it is not yet present, or is present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled.

May include, but is not limited to:

a) Material used to pack or stabilise cargo; and

b) Galley and food waste; and

c) Human, animal or plant waste; and

d) Refuse or sweepings from the holds or decks of a vessel or installation.

Quarantine waste also includes the accumulated solids from any process that separates larger solid particles of material from wastewater or from any other quarantine operation. Further examples of quarantine waste include solid material such as dead bodies, tissues, unhatched eggs, microbiological waste or residues of imported material and packaging of quarantine concern.

Seals Intact

This means that a consignment has been permitted to move from one place to another under seal. The quarantine officer at the receiving end is to check to ensure that the seals have not been broken in transit.

Shipping Aids

Material used in sea freight containers to prevent cargo dislodging in transit.

Skid

Support placed under cargo to make it easier to manoeuvre. Generally consists of two pieces of timber placed under cargo to allow a forklift to raise or slide the cargo.

Spread

The movement of a pest or disease beyond the initial incursion.

Straw

Includes straw, cereal, rice hulls, and other unprocessed plant materials.

STQ

Subject to Quarantine. Goods requiring DAFF Biosecurity inspection and possible remedial action. Goods may be subject to quarantine if they are dirty or the goods are considered of quarantine concern.

Susceptible Host

A plant, human, animal or the environment that could be infected by an exotic pest or disease.

Surveillance

Active observation by a quarantine officer of activities and environments.

Tailgate Inspection

An inspection to ensure container and contents are free of QRM. A quarantine officer performs this type of inspection without entering the container.

Timber

Also known as lumber; a term of commerce for wood, either in natural form as logs or in sawn units.

Treatment

Any process for controlling or eliminating a disease or pest and:

• In relation to a vessel, installation or premises, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, disinfection, denaturing and cleaning; and
• In relation to a person, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, disinfection and cleaning; and
• In relation to an animal, includes examination, disinfection, denaturing, vaccination, testing and veterinary treatment; and
• In relation to a plant or other goods, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, and disinfection, denaturing, sorting, cleaning and repacking.

Treatment Certificate

A certificate that specifies the treatment applied to goods within a specific consignment.

Type of Facility

‘Type’ refers to the category of QAP containment facility. The facility will be one of four ‘types’ – Microbiological, Animal, Plant or Invertebrate.

Vessel

This can be defined as:

a) A ship, boat or other description of vessel used in navigation by sea; or

b) An aircraft; or

c) An aircushion vehicle; or

d) An offshore industry mobile unit (being an overseas installation) that is bound for, or is at, a port;

and includes any part of the above.

Wash Bay

An area of a QAP to be used for the cleaning of goods contaminated with quarantine risk material. Wash bays must conform to the relevant criteria for the specific QAP class.