Notice to industry 1/2009 - Revision of AQIS GAS Risk Management Strategies

1. Removal of the requirement for 'in-contact' containers and break-bulk cargo to be subject to GAS inspections

As part of an extensive review of the current GAS risk management strategies, an analysis of the interceptions of GAS presence on 'in contact' containers and break-bulk has indicated that the risk is minimal.

'In-contact' containers and break-bulk are defined as cargo that has been stowed in close proximity on the vessel to containers and / or break-bulk from GAS countries. 

This notice is to advise industry that effective from 1 March 2009:

• 'in-contact' containers and break-bulk will be considered as minimal GAS risk and will no longer require GAS inspection
  
  
• the GAS National Coordination Centre (GASNCC) will cease to perform the function of screening vessels for 'in-contact' containers and break-bulk from that date
  
  
• shipping lines are required to continue to provide AQIS with vessel bay-plan files and / or container and break-bulk lists until further notice
  
  
• the AQIS Import Conditions Database (ICON) will be updated to reflect this change
  
  
• related Notices to Industry will be revoked or amended to reflect this change
  
  
• containers and break-bulk subject to GAS inspection will continue to require segregation from non-GAS cargo with an approved barrier or baiting on the wharf.

All containers and break-bulk originating from countries listed on the AQIS Giant African Snail (GAS) Country Action List or Supplementary NT Giant African Snail (GAS) Risk Countries List will continue to require GAS inspections as per current arrangements.

Further information

For further information regarding this issue please contact email the GASNCC, or telephone 07 3637 7730.