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No. Until a broker accreditation type arrangement can be developed AQIS will rely on its normal surveillance mechanisms to determine whether or not ISPM 15 compliant timber packing has been used. There will be no need to present documents to AQIS unless surveillance detects non compliance and importers do not wish the consignment to be treated onshore.

As there is no broker or industry accreditation arrangements in place for timber packing associated with air cargo it will be assumed by AQIS that any timber packing is compliant with standards until AQIS has evidence to the contrary. It is the importers responsibility to ensure that all packing is compliant with AQIS requirements.

Until broker accreditation arrangements can be developed most operational procedures will remain the same with the exception that after 1 May 2006 quarantine clearance on the basis of inspection of timber packing will no longer be an option. Compliance will be enforced by AQIS surveillance involving verification inspections. Timber packing that is not marked with ISPM 15 marks will be sent for treatment, re-export or destruction unless evidence of valid offshore treatment can be presented to AQIS front counters.

The importers or their agents will only have additional responsibilities if existing AQIS surveillance detects non-compliance with the ISPM 15 standard. Then, the options described in the previous question apply. These treatments will be at the importers expense. It is the responsibility of importers to ensure that packing is compliant with Australian Quarantine requirements.

No, for Air and Break bulk cargo only, brokers will not be asked the barrier question in ICS "Do all FCL/X containers on this declaration meet AQIS non-commodity requirements and are they all designated to be unpacked in a metropolitan postcode or inside the boundary of an approved AQIS port?". In the advent of noncompliant packing material the absence of packing and treatment certificates for air and break bulk will not result in non-conformity penalties under the Broker Accreditation Scheme. However goods will be subjected to onshore treatment, destruction or re-exportation at importers expense when AQIS surveillance identifies quarantine concerns.

From 1 May 2006 the option to clear timber packing for quarantine solely on the basis of inspection will no longer be available. It is not envisaged that changes to the QAP criteria and amendments to training material are needed as these facilities are already required to have procedures in place to address quarantine issues relating to timber packing.

AQIS is currently reviewing the ability of the new Integrated Customs System to explore options for the expansion of the broker accreditation arrangements to air and break bulk cargo.

UPEs undergo 100% inspection which covers any timber packing. Under the new regime timber packing used in the UPEs will require compliance with ISPM 15 or evidence of alternative AQIS approved treatment.

As ISPM 15 compliant timber packing can be reused, may have a long service history and is typically made from low grade timber it is considered by AQIS to be of higher quarantine risk than most commercially imported timber. Gluts are also typically comprised of low grade timber with a higher pest risk. With the exception of stickering or gluts of the same grade as the timber, any timber packing and dunnage must be compliant with ISPM 15 or evidence of other acceptable treatment provided.