Notice to Industry 38/2009 - Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy: Amendment regarding requirements for Plywood/Veneer Packaging

Notice to Industry 38/2009—Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy: Amendment regarding requirements for plywood/veneer packaging

Following the publishing of Notices to Industry 23/2009 and 30/2009, AQIS has received a number of submissions regarding the treatment requirements for plywood/veneer packaging. Until the issues raised in these submissions have been considered, AQIS will continue to accept newly manufactured plywood/veneer statements (as currently required). The Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy will also be modified to align more closely with current policy requirements.

What will change in the Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy?

Where timber packaging/dunnage has been used, the policy currently advises that the following statement/document is required: 'ISPM 15 statement or a treatment certificate/phytosanitary or government treatment certificate that covers AQIS acceptable treatments (treatment certificates are not accepted for ISPM 15 treatment)'. These options will be expanded to include the option for a manufacturer’s declaration that covers AQIS requirements for packaging material made from newly manufactured plywood/veneer.

Manufacturers' declarations must comply with requirements of the Minimum Documentary Requirements Policy.

The AQIS requirements for packaging material made from plywood/veneer are currently outlined in the ICON case for Timber Packaging and Dunnage, and will be updated to reflect the current policy requirements. This includes identification of the country of manufacture, the date of manufacture and a statement that the plywood/veneer has not been pre-used. The AQIS requirements will also reflect that the plywood/veneer must have been manufactured in:

• all countries excluding Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vanuatu and Western Samoa within three months of export, or
  
  
• Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vanuatu and Western Samoa, within 21 days of export.

Enquiries

For further information in relation to AQIS import requirements for timber, please email the Timber National Co-ordination Centre, AQIS Melbourne.

For further information in relation to the Non-Commodity Information Requirements Policy, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions or email the Industry Partnerships Unit, AQIS Canberra.