21 January 2013

This notice will be of interest to all importers, brokers and other personnel involved in the importation of bulk consignments of fertiliser (level 2 and 3) and stockfeed, transported in ship's holds.

Information

In response to a Workplace Health and Safety incident, an interim procedure for sampling bulk commodities was implemented. This procedure was known as the 'bucket and rope' method.

New sampling methods have now been developed to replace the interim measure. These methods meet the sampling criteria as specified by the department. This ensures a representative sample of a commodity that is imported in bulk, in ship's holds, is presented for biosecurity inspection.

Sampling takes place after initial inspection of the vessel deck and hatch areas has been conducted.

What's changed?

Effective 4 March 2013, imported consignments of bulk commodities (level 2 and 3 fertiliser and stockfeed) are to be sampled using one of the following methods:

• Under DAFF supervision, industry representatives collect samples from the commodity in each hold, ensuring the samples are collected in accordance with the sampling criteria, as per departmental guidelines. These samples are presented to DAFF officers for inspection, either on deck or on wharf.
• A procedure, referred to as the 'Grab and Slotted Spear Trier' method, involves the drawing of samples of the imported bulk commodity from the grab, using a slotted spear trier. The inspection of the sample will be conducted on board the vessel and will be performed on all holds, at the first port of arrival in Australia.

Importers/agents can request to use an alternative method of sampling. Requests must be submitted and approved prior to arrival of the consignment and must be forwarded to the Bulk Commodities National Coordination Centre (NCC), prior to import.

These new procedures apply to the initial inspection of commodity only. All subsequent inspection procedures remain unchanged.

Consultation:

These procedures have been developed in consultation with:

• Plant Quarantine Program
• National Air and Sea Cargo program including the Bulk National Coordination Centre.
• Regional cargo managers and staff
• Fertiliser Industry Federation of Australia
• Stevedores and ship discharge equipment suppliers
• Importers and agents

When will this industry notice become effective?

These changes will be effective from 4 March 2013.

Sampling using the interim method will cease. Sampling of bulk commodities can only be performed using one of the methods described in this notice.

Further Information

Email the Bulk Commodities National Coordination Centre, or phone 02 4962 4450, or fax 02 4962 4460.