BMSB 2019/20 - UPDATE 2 - LCL / FAK - Import Permits - Safeguarding Arrangements

Please refer to the following items following ongoing engagement with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
 
BMSB 2019-20 Season Proposed measures for LCL and FAK containers.

Yesterday, 8 May 2019, I attended the Industry Workshop on BMSB 2019-20 Season Proposed measures for LCL and FAK containers.

This was the second such workshop and well attended by shipping line representatives, master consolidators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, treatment providers and industry representatives.

From the start, I must point out that my comments below are based on what I believe will be some of the key outcomes for LCL/FAK 2019/2020, these comments have not been ratified by the department as they are still running a similar consultation session in Melbourne today.

Whilst open to industry consultation, feedback and potential solutions, the department cannot guarantee any outcomes at this point.
 
That said, here are some of the high level points for our member should be conscious of:

• the department stands by their main objective of treating in scope goods at Origin where possible;

• the department are looking at onshore Treatment in Australia at container level;

• by facilitating the two options above, I believe that will facilitate about 63% of all LCL/FAK volume. (plus there will be additional containers that do not require treatment);

• for these to be effectively managed, the department is looking to receive such information 5 days prior to arrival;

• some of main challenges moving forward continue to be around "mixed boxes" i.e. some treated and some not treated within the same container; and

• hubbed goods, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand etc that may contain BMBS target high risk goods from one of the 32 Proposed Countries for 2019/20.

These scenarios, will require further consultation and Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) have openly put ourselves forward to participate in those discussions.

Refer HERE for the "DRAFT – High Level Process map for BMSB LCL/FAK Containers" - again, please note at this point this in draft format only!
 
Import Permits and Contacts

We received the following advice from Mr. Andrew Agnew who is the Director Client Contact Group  | Assessment and Client Contact  |  Biosecurity Operations Division

"I just thought it would be worthwhile letting you know about another avenue for your members to get in contact with the department if they are having problems with an import permit.

If you need information on import permits and you are having trouble contacting us, you can send an email to imports@agriculture.gov.au or call (1800 900 090) option1 option 1. The phones are in operation 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday.

I have a team in Canberra who can handle most of these queries or forward them for follow up.  This line rarely has a queue so members will get straight through to an operator, and emails are actioned within 2 working days."
 
We certainly want to acknowledge all the assistance and support that we receive from the department over the myriad of issues that our members face.
 
Safeguarding Arrangements

We are delighted to let you know that the department are continuing to work with us and other counterparts on this initiative.

Further meetings are scheduled for next week in Sydney and Melbourne - Travis Brooks-Garrett and I will attend these and representing FTA - once those meeting have concluded, and we have more detail, rest assured we will keep you all duly updated.

Andrew Crawford - FTA / APSA