Quarantine's concern does not only relate to timber pests but also to the cleanliness of the containers.

All conditions prescribed by the Quarantine and Customs Authorities must be met before any cargo can be removed from a terminal or break bulk depot.

GENERAL

The following steps should be taken to ensure prompt delivery of goods in Australia and New Zealand without detention by the Quarantine Authorities:

• All ocean bills have a code which indicates if wood is used in packing or securing cargo in a container. If wood is used in export containers to Australia all documentation must have a packing declaration with a fumigation certificate of the container or a treatment certificate of the wood used.
• For FCL containers if the goods themselves are not subject to quarantine inspection and the timber components, such as the floor and linings have been treated by an acceptable method, then the container is free to move anywhere provided packaging meets quarantine requirements and the container is clean.
• As far as practical, timber should be avoided and alternative material such as cardboard, plastic, new jute or metals used. If timber crates, cases, pallets or dunnage are used then the timber should have been treated by one of the methods approved by Australia/New Zealand Plant Quarantine.
• It is essential that the container is clean and free from soil or plant and animal contaminants such as grains, flour, meat, bones, hides and skin.
• Straw packing, rice hulls and similar plant materials are prohibited imports and therefore should not be used as packing. Alternative material such as shredded paper, wood-wool or synthetic materials are acceptable provided they are not contaminated with material which could be a quarantine risk.

To ensure that no expensive delays happen to your cargo on arrival and to ensure that it is immediately released for onward movement into the country, we recommend that you take the following precautions:

(1) If using your own or leased container ensure that its exposed timber components have been permanently treated to the requirements of the Quarantine Authorities and the containers registered with them. Otherwise the containers must be fumigated within 21 days prior to shipment.

(2) Where possible do not use wood for pallets, packaging, dunnaging or securing materials if you can find suitable alternative arrangements not subject to quarantine regulations, for example:

Paper products, hardboard, plastic products, fibreboard, cardboards, metal, clean dry used motor tyres, inflatable dunnage, wood-wool, and metal or plastic strapping.

Chipboards, plywood and particle board are also suitable provided they are new and manufactured in Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, UK or USA.

Limited timber products are not acceptable, neither is material such as straw, rice hulls, or similar plant materials.

(3) Where wood is used for pallets, packaging, dunnaging or securing material then it must meet quarantine requirements in one of two ways:

(i) Be permanently treated by an approved preservative such as copper-chromium-arsenic salts or copper-chromium-boron salts.

(ii) Be temporarily disinfected by one of the approved methods below. Timber treated by one of these methods must be packed in a container or shipped within 21 days of treatment.

(a) Methyl Bromide fumigation

(b) Sulphuryl Fluoride (Vikane)

(c) Heat or kiln sterilisation

(d) Steaming

(e) Immersion in a hot liquid

LCL containers carrying goods for delivery to approved break-bulk depots, where normal quarantine inspections can be undertaken, do not necessarily have to beat any special requirements. However, should evidence of infestation be found in any wooden crates or cases then fumigation will be undertaken. The cost to the exporter in the shape of treatment charges, delay and inconvenience may well outweigh the small additional costs of using treated timber when making up the crates and cases.

Other Restrictions

For your guidance we would also draw your attention to the additional following restrictions.

(a) Fumigation of household furniture and personal affects will not permit immediate release of containers. Containers carrying these goods must pass through an approved depot for unpacking and treatment of goods subject to quarantine.

(b) Containers must be free from soil, plant material and contamination from animal products.

Thorough cleaning of the inside and outside of containers prior to shipment will assist in removing contamination and could alleviate the need for expensive and time consuming quarantine treatment in Australia and New Zealand. All contaminated containers detected entering Australia and New Zealand are treated before release.

(c) Any material of a plant origin or likely to carry any disease or pests of plants is subject to quarantine. Some items are prohibited except by special permit.

FCL containers of agricultural products emanating from the UK and NW Continent (non Khapra beetle area) must be preceded by a packers certificate of container cleanliness prior to packing, a fumigation certificate for the empty container (not required if container is not lined), and a phytosanitary certificate.

(d) Items such as motor vehicles or agricultural machinery contaminated with soil must be cleaned before they are released. Steam-cleaning prior to shipment will obviously go a long way to ensuring the cargo will be in an acceptable condition on arrival but this can never be guaranteed.

(e) Phostoxin is the proprietary name for aluminium phosphide. It is applied in solid form, usually as tablets and relies on a reaction with moisture in the air to release phosphine gas. Use is on a limited basis and normally where a commodity is known to have an adverse reaction with methyl bromide. Please note it can only be used as a commodity fumigant and is not an accepted method of timber treatment in Australia or New Zealand.

Further information may be obtained by consulting the following publications available from your local ACA Containers Office:

(a) Cargo Containers – Quarantine Aspects and Procedures. Australian Quarantine Service.

(b) Summary of Australian Plant and Animal Quarantine Requirements. Australian Quarantine Service.

(c) Requirements for Containers and Containerised Cargo. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. New Zealand Forest Service.

Methyl bromide fumigation is the most practical and economical method of timber treatment. Loaded containers may be fumigated to treat the exposed timber components of containers, timber packaging or the cargo. ACA International can arrange for your container to be fumigated prior to shipment if you require this service or on arrival of your cargo if your quarantine documents are not in order.

A fumigation certificate must be completed and signed by the fumigation contractor, who must be able to comply with ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) for the control of substances hazardous to health.

The quarantine declaration section of the Export Cargo Shipping Instructions must be completed by the shipper for coding on the manifest (IEF).

Certificates and/or Declaration for timber treatment will be forwarded by Shipper to Consignee with invoices or shipping documents.