BMSB UPDATE 22 - Feedback from DCCC teleconference

Friday, October 19, 2018

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) representatives participated in a teleconference with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) again this afternoon, Friday 19 October 2018.
 
Main outcomes are listed below 
 
Onshore heat treatment
 

  • The DCCC has advised that they are actively working with Heat Treatment providers as currently there are none in Australia capable of treating cargo at the FCL level.


Sulfuryl Fluoride
 

  • The DCCC also confirmed that there are no current providers, however the department has received applications from industry and those are currently under assessment.


BMSB Offshore FAK treatment Certificates

  • Many customs brokers have experienced problems where the offshore treatment providers have failed to lodge the documentation / treatment certificate directly with the department as part of the offshore arrangements.

  • Industry representatives expressed concerns that this should sit with the department and not individual customs brokers to have the offshore treatment provider comply.

  • The department has taken this on notice and will review the matter. DCCC advised that this mechanism is to ensure fraudulent certificates are not bypassing the agreed system.

  • The department has also confirmed that the technical issue with regards to receiving the certificate information directly from the registered offshore treatment providers has been resolved.

 
BMSB Automation

  • The department issued an Industry Advice notice (IAN) 145-2018 http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/145-2018   

  • The intent is to revert to an automated system ASAP once robust testing has been completed. As of today, the goal is next week. That said, the Department has committed to provide Industry with 24 hour's notice. 

 
Web Updates

  • FTA continue to encourage members to actively monitor the department's website.

  • The department will be updating information on Emerging Countries and NUFT certificates.

 
Resource Update

  • The department is experience many call and contact around break bulk shipments not meeting requirements.

  • We recommend  our members refer to IAN notice 141-2017http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2018/141-2018. 

  • The number of directions in COLS continue to build over the week, reductions in queues are witnessed with weekend overtime and operations.

  • The department has recruited additional staff and welcomed back recently retired officers etc to assist in this regard.


Post Implementation Review

  • FTA have requested an independent review and has tabled this with the Minister. 

  • The department also acknowledged via the DCCC that greater industry input will be sought in future.

 
AEP

  • The department has emphasised the importance of industry taking up AEPCOM in processing entries for BMSB to expedite processing and alleviate COLS entry congestion. 

  • BMSB pathways have been developed and the department is pushing to have industry take advantage of this.

  • FTA have been working with the department to provide additional training and instruction.

  • The department is planning to host a  webinar to assist industry - further details to be advised.  

Andrew Crawford - FTA / APSA