22 May 2026
Who does this notice affect?
Berth operators of a first point of entry that receive shipborne dunnage unloaded from vessels, vessel operators wanting to unload shipborne dunnage, and importers, brokers and other users of the BICON Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance case.
Background
'Shipborne dunnage', or loose on-vessel packaging material, refers to used timber and bamboo packaging material that is not associated or reported with imported sea cargo. This material can accumulate overtime on a vessel e.g. previously used to stabilise cargo or loaded on vessel in large volumes at the export port with intention to unload and manage in Australia.
Shipborne dunnage is not reconcilable to and unloaded with imported cargo. Australia does not accept offshore or in-transit treatment certification for shipborne dunnage.
Under the First point of entry biosecurity standards (ports), berth operators are responsible for identifying and managing dunnage that does not bear an ISPM 15 mark / stamp. Shipborne dunnage that does not bear an ISPM 15 compliant mark must be treated, disposed of or exported.
Previously there was no specific BICON case for managing shipborne dunnage. Existing risk policy for managing this material was held within various policies and BICON cases.
What has changed?
A new BICON case pathway has been developed for managing imported shipborne dunnage. The pathway is within the BICON Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance case and is to be used in conjunction with the First point of entry biosecurity standards (ports) to manage packaging material that does not bear an ISPM 15 compliant mark.
From Monday 25 May 2026, the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance case includes a new import scenario question: "Is the material shipborne dunnage?".
- If answered 'Yes', users will continue through to the import conditions specific to shipborne dunnage;
- For ISPM 15 marked material, the import conditions require no further action provided that the material is clean and free of insects and other biosecurity risk material.
- For non-ISPM 15 marked material, the import conditions mandate either onshore treatment or referral to the department for a biosecurity inspection. Alternatively the material must be exported or disposed of using an approved method.
- If answered 'No', users will continue through to the existing non-commodity import requirements for air cargo, containerised sea cargo, break bulk, etc.
No policy changes were made to the existing non-commodity import requirements.
Note: The import conditions for breakbulk timber packaging were updated to align with those for shipborne dunnage, to clarify the requirements for ISPM 15 markings and the applicable onshore treatment options.
There are no changes for vessel operators and berth operators. Creation of a new specific BICON case pathway is intended to consolidate the import conditions and risk measures in one place and better underpin the First point of entry biosecurity standards (ports).
Further information