New Sea Container Risk Management Policy

Notice to Industry 5/2010

The Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service
New Sea Container Risk Management Policy

Who is affected by this notice?

This notice is to advise industry of impending changes to AQIS intervention and inspection initiatives for sea cargo containers.  This notice may be of particular interest to shipping companies, stevedores, brokers, freight forwarders and all involved in the supply chain logistics for sea cargo.

What’s happening?

AQIS is moving to new risk-based inspection of sea containers rather than inspecting cargo which is of negligible risk.

Why are things changing?

Since 2001 Australia has inspected the outside of every sea container arriving in Australia.  In that time very little biosecurity risk material was found.  AQIS is now increasing its focus on identifying higher risk containers - where they are coming from, and where they are going to. 

In line with the One Biosecurity: A Working Partnership (Beale) report, the Government wants to move away from the previous inefficient system with inflexible targets, to a genuine risk management system.

What’s changing?

The more ‘risk-based’ approach to inspecting sea cargo containers entering Australia includes:

• inspection of all containers with higher risk pathways, e.g. from countries with Giant African Snail (see Industry Notice 52 of 19 August 2009)
• introduction of new methods to manage the external inspection of containers moving through or to a rural destination (including containers moving by rail; road; or under bond). All containers moving to or through rural areas will continue to be targeted for inspection
• increased surveillance of empty containers
• Targeted and random wharf inspection of lower risk containers to continually improve risk identification profiles.

How will this affect you?

Implementation will impact different stakeholders in different ways.  For some, nothing may change, while a small number may experience an increased level of inspection.   For most, and particularly for those who comply with quarantine requirements, it should result in less AQIS intervention and more efficient passage through the cargo logistics chain.

For Australia, these changes mean more resources being targeted at more serious biosecurity risks.
 
When will the changes happen?

Improved processes are being implemented in an incremental and ongoing basis.  Timelines will vary from region to region depending on local logistics. 

How can I have my say?

More detailed consultation with clients and industry stakeholders will take place as changes are implemented.  Further information on the overarching policy can be obtained by contacting the Sea Cargo Inspections Team Manager, Dr Lindy Cayzer on 02 6272 4938 or via email.

What should I do if I find any suspect pests?

Watching out for any unusual pests and disease symptoms is just one way to help protect Australia's agricultural and forestry industries.

If you see anything unusual that may be a biosecurity concern, please call 1800 020 504, or consult your local AQIS office. 

Protecting Australia’s biosecurity is in everyone’s interest and the high level of container cleanliness to date is an excellent example of shared responsibility.  AQIS thanks you for your ongoing cooperation.