Changes

Dried coconut identified for reduced inspection intervention

Regional officers, importers and brokers are advised that the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has added dried coconut to the Compliance-Based Inspection Scheme (CBIS) for processing imported plant products.

What has changed?

Imports of dried coconuts (tariff 080111) will be eligible for reduced inspection intervention as of 10 November 2015 as part of the Compliance-Based Inspection Scheme (previously referred to as the Continuous Sampling Plan (CSP)). From this date, importers that demonstrate good compliance will be eligible for a reduction in inspection frequency.

From 10 November 2015, importers will need to import five consecutive clean consignments, before they are eligible for a reduced rate.

The import conditions for these commodities have not changed.

Importers of desiccated coconut products (for FCL consignments from non-khapra countries only) still have the option of choosing whether to have tailgate inspection or full unpack inspection.

What do I need to do?

Importers and brokers should continue to lodge documentation to the department as per their current practice. The assessment for eligibility of reduced inspections happens automatically in the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS) and does not require any action. All consignments are still subject to a documentation assessment before being released by the department regardless of whether they undergo a physical inspection.

How does the Compliance-Based Inspection Scheme work?

Importers must initially pass a minimum number of consecutive consignments in order to demonstrate sufficient compliance. This number and the frequency of subsequent inspections is based on the biosecurity risk posed by these commodities and may change over time.

The system will look at outcomes of previous inspections to determine whether goods may be released or whether an inspection is required. Once an importer has demonstrated the required level of compliance they will be eligible for a reduced inspection frequency. Inspections will not cease completely and consignments may still be subject to other random inspections and cargo compliance verification inspections.

Further information

More information can be found on the departments webpage.

For further information please phone 1800 900 090.