Notice to Industry 10/2009 - Giant African Snail (GAS) Cargo National Transhipment Policy

This notice is to advise industry of amendments to the GAS Cargo National Transhipment Policy (which was implemented on 1 September 2006), and replaces Notice to Industry 5/2006-07. The policy applies to cargo that has been directed for GAS inspection but may be exempted from this inspection by AQIS if the cargo is to be transhipped directly to an overseas port.

What has changed?

GAS cargo is required to undergo external GAS inspection at the first Australian port of discharge. However, if cargo is to be transhipped to an overseas destination, it may be exempted by AQIS from this inspection requirement upon application. In future these applications should be lodged at least one full business day before the GAS cargo is due to be discharged, to allow AQIS sufficient time to assess and process the application. If this timeframe is not able to be met, the AQIS Regional GAS Contact should be advised that a late application will be made. Late applications will be assessed by AQIS on a case by case basis.

How does Industry apply for GAS inspection exemption for transhipped cargo?

Applications for GAS inspection exemption must be made in writing to the AQIS Regional GAS Contact at the port of discharge, and should now be lodged at least one full business day before the cargo is due to be discharged. Applications should be copied to the principal agent of the on-carrying vessel as well as the terminal operator for their information. The written application must include the following information: 

• incoming vessel name and voyage number, discharge port, ETA, berth
• on-carrying vessel name and voyage number, load port, ETD and berth
• details of cargo to be transhipped.

How does AQIS assess these applications?

1. AQIS will individually review each application and will consider a number of factors including, but not limited to: 

• length of time the cargo will be stored on the wharf
• if the wharf can facilitate the segregation of the transhipping GAS cargo using salt or another AQIS approved barrier
• any instances of previous non-compliance regarding the conditions set out in the GAS Cargo National Transhipment Policy.

2. If AQIS approves the transhipment of GAS cargo without inspection: 

• AQIS will provide written confirmation to the applicant, the principal agent for the on-carrying vessel and the terminal operator
• the relevant GAS cargo must be stacked segregated from other cargo on the wharf and surrounded by an uninterrupted salt barrier or AQIS approved barrier
• cargo will be subject to routine surveillance by AQIS
• if quarantine concerns are discovered, AQIS will charge for any additional services provided on a fee for service basis
• transhipping GAS cargo must be loaded directly aboard the stated on-carrying vessel and shipped directly overseas.

3. The GASNCC may conduct surveillance vessel screening of the on-carrying vessel once it has departed from the last Australian port, to verify that all transhipping GAS cargo is on board.

4. AQIS will not approve transhipment where:

• the required information described above is not provided
• the cargo is being discharged from a vessel at one wharf to be loaded on the on-carrying vessel at a different wharf, and/or
• the cargo is to be transhipped to another Australian port.

NOTE: AQIS approval to allow transhipment of GAS cargo without inspection can be revoked at anytime if any of the above conditions are not met.

Associated Notices to Industry

This Notice should be read in conjunction with Notice to Industry: AQIS import Clearance Fees—Giant African Snail Screening Activities 38/2007-08.

Further information

For further information regarding the procedures for transhipping GAS cargo, please contact the AQIS GAS National Coordination Centre (NCC) via email or telephone on 07 3637 7730.