Alerts

On 18 October 2023, the following changes to the ‘Geotextiles for remediation’ BICON case will occur:

The ‘Geotextiles for bioremediation’ BICON case will be renamed to ‘Geotextiles’ to better reflect that the scope of the case covers only the import conditions for permitted plant fibre products imported for erosion control, weed suppression and landscaping. Currently, the case does not include import conditions for bioremediation products. Import conditions for bioremediation products are found in the ‘Bioremediation products’ BICON case.

The import conditions in the case will be modified to clarify the document requirements for the assessment of these goods. Currently, documentation that identifies the article, or the intended end use of the article, is only required at the time of inspection as confirmation of end use. This may lead to onshore clearance delays if this documentation is not initially provided at document lodgement. To assist identification of the goods and their intended end use, the botanical or common name of the plant material AND the intended end use will need to be presented at the assessment stage, on one of the following documents: manufacturer’s declaration, supplier’s declaration, product label, phytosanitary certificate, packing list, bill of lading or commercial invoice, which align with the requirements for other permitted plant fibre products. This will be prior to the standard unpack and inspection onshore outcomes for these goods. This change will clarify the import conditions for these goods prior to import.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers and brokers of Geotextiles, Pathways Operations Cargo - Assessment and Inspections.

Further Information:
Please contact the department by the following ways:

• Email imports@aff.gov.au (please use the subject ‘Plant Tier 2 – geotextiles import conditions’).
• Phone (from within Australia): 1800 900 090
• Phone (from outside Australia): + 61 3 8318 6700