As a result of detections of live BMSB in some containerised commodities originating in China, the department will be adding China as an emerging risk country for the remainder of the 2021-22 BMSB season.
The increased random inspection activities will apply to the following goods:
Goods manufactured in, or shipped from China and,
FCL / FCX containers – for goods shipped in sealed 6 hard sided containers and,
Goods tariffed as Chapters 39, 68, 69, 70, 73, 84, 85 and 89.
LCL / FAK containers and break bulk goods (including those shipped on flat rack or in open top containers) are out of scope for increased inspection activities.
In scope containers, as identified above, will be selected at random and will be directed for an ‘Inspection – Seals Intact Inspection’ under departmental supervision at a Class 1.1, 1.3, 2.1 or 2.2 Approved Arrangement.
Where the BMSB profile is the only active profile on the import declaration, these goods will be directed automatically for inspection. Please ensure at time of lodgement that an AQIS premises ID is entered in ICS.
Where there are other profiles active on the import declaration, a document processing required direction will be issued. Please submit all documents via COLS for assessment.
Early lodgement of goods and submission of documents via COLS will assist in preventing any delays in the clearance of goods.
All random onshore verification inspections are required to be completed in a metropolitan location.
If any BMSB or other biosecurity risk material is detected during the inspection, goods will be directed for onshore treatment as required.
The department will redirect resources from current BMSB verification activities to conduct verifications on Chinese origin goods to ensure there is no additional resources required by the department to conduct the new inspections and no additional delays to be experienced by importers through increasing levels of intervention.
