26 November 2012
Who does this notice interest?
All Importers, customs brokers and logistics service providers who receive and assess Fumigation Certificates from countries who are currently not recognised under the Australian Accredited Fumigation Scheme, i.e. Non-AFAS countries.
What has changed?
Notice to Industry 70/2012 informed readers that as of 1 December 2012 all Fumigation Certificates from Non-AFAS Treatment Providers must include either the plastic wrapping information required by Appendix 5 of the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard (see attachment A) or one of the following Plastic Wrapping Declarations outlined on page 13 of the Minimum Documentary Requirements. (see Attachment B).
DAFF has been requested to implement a 3 month grace period from 1 December 2012 before enforcement of the new requirements to facilitate compliance and to assist cargo arriving into Australia that hasn't been able to be compliant. DAFF has agreed to this request therefore a grace period will be in effect from 1 December 2012 – 1 March 2013.
During this time DAFF officers and customs brokers who assess these treatment certificates as part of the barrier clearance process will be asked to not reject the treatment certificate if it does not include the plastic wrapping declaration. It is imperative during this grace period that importers, customs brokers and logistics service providers contact their overseas suppliers to ensure that this declaration is on the treatment certificates as the certificate will be rejected if the declaration is not present at the start of business 1 March 2013.
Further Information?
Further information regarding this change can be obtained from: