Edition #3
23 September 2022
 
This issue contains information for Master Consolidators on when to lodge an MC declaration, the different Integrated Cargo System (ICS) messages and what they mean, and the introduction of the new Master Consolidator User Guide.
 
Management of LCL/FAK containers during the Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) risk season
Less than Container Load (LCL) and Freight All Kinds (FAK) containers with target high risk goods that are shipped from target risk countries between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), are managed at the container level for BMSB risk prior to deconsolidation.
 
Once the container risk has been managed for BMSB, the individual consignments within these containers will be processed at the Full Import Declaration (FID) level for all other biosecurity intervention (if applicable).
 

Master Consolidator registrations

Master Consolidators intending to provide declarations about LCL/FAK containers to the department must register their company as a Master Consolidator and identify individual users via a unique email address on the Master Consolidator Registration form.
 
Each user who intends to submit MC declarations, is required to register as a User under the MC ID for their company. Each individual submitting declarations is required to have their own unique User ID and login. Sharing of User ID's will be recorded as a non-compliance for the Master Consolidator and may result in increased intervention of LCL / FAK containers.
 
Once registered, the department will provide users with an email containing your MC ID, a temporary password, and a link to the online declaration form to set your own password. You must use your own unique login to lodge a MC declaration via the online portal.
 
Master Consolidator registration forms are to be sent to SPP@agriculture.gov.au.
 

When to lodge an MC declaration

LCL / FAK containers that are subject to BMSB measures will be identified by a Seasonal Pest Referral (SPREF) on the house bill of lading. When the cargo report is lodged, they will be referred for a Seasonal Pest Hold (SPHOLDM), and the cargo reporter will receive a message that a Master Consolidator (MC) declaration is required to be submitted.
 
Containers identified with an SPHOLDM are required to have a MC Declaration submitted declaring the BMSB risk status of the container by the Master Consolidator.
 
Comprehensive instructions on how to lodge a MC declaration can be found in the Master Consolidator User Guide on our website. This downloadable document also provides tips and troubleshooting advice for Master Consolidators about MC declaration lodgements.
 
Please do not send a follow up email requesting release as soon as a declaration has been lodged. This only serves to clog our emails and delay processing of entries. Entries are processed in the order in which they are lodged. The system does not allow officers to select the entries they wish to process.
 

Common ICS messages

SPREF

If your House Bill (HBOL) is showing a SEASONAL PEST REFERRAL (SPREF) message, this is not a hold. This is a system reference recognising the HBOL has been reported to indicate goods from a BMSB country of origin or load port. An SPREF cannot hold your HBOL or container, and it cannot be lifted. If your container is still being held in ICS please check to ensure that there are no other ABF or AQIS holds, if your container has a CONDCLEAR or SUBUBMOV.
 

SPHOLDM

If you have a AQIS SEASONAL PEST HOLD (SPHOLDM) and you receive a message in ICS directing you to lodge an MC declaration, you will not be able to move your container until a declaration has been completed.
 
If you have lodged an MC declaration and ICS is still showing this message, please check that your declaration has the correct vessel, voyage and container information as has been declared in ICS. If this information differs, please see the "what happens if I've made a mistake" section of the Master Consolidator User Guide.
 

CONDITIONAL RELEASE

If your FCL is showing a CONDITIONAL RELEASE (COND REL) message, your container is subject to Department intervention outlined in the noted entry. Your conditional release will clear once you have completed all onshore interventions and receive a final release.
 

AQIS GAS HOLD

If your FCL is showing a AQIS GAS HOLD message, your container is subject to Giant African Snail measures, this is not BMSB related. These holds cannot be lifted by the BMSB Processing Team or the Hitchhiker Pests Policy Team. The container will be held until the risk has been investigated and/or mitigated by the Country Action List (CAL) team.
 

Further information

Hitchhiker Pests Policy, Biosecurity Operations Division
Email: SPP@agriculture.gov.au                                       Website: agriculture.gov.au/BMSB