Changes

As per the import conditions for containerised fertiliser, when importing a commodity classified as a hazardous chemical, importers must comply with their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 Act, with reference to Chapter 7 Hazardous chemicals. This includes lodging all relevant safety information pertaining to hazardous chemicals, including a manufacturer’s safety data sheet, to the department.

Following the recent inclusion of Automatic Entry Processing for Commodities (AEPCOMM) of containerised fertiliser, the import conditions have been clarified to ensure the following:

• If AEPCOMM is being used for the clearance of hazardous chemicals, brokers must provide a copy of the manufacturer’s safety data sheet directly to the biosecurity officer in charge at the time of inspection.
  

• If AEPCOMM is not being used, importers or brokers are required to lodge a copy of the manufacturer’s safety data sheet along with other consignment documents. Assessment Services Group (ASG) must supply a copy of the manufacturer’s safety data sheet to the inspecting officer, prior to the inspection commencing.
  

The following direction comment has been added to the onshore outcomes for containerised fertiliser to stipulate this requirement for ASG and Inspections Group (IG) biosecurity officers:

‘For consignments classed as a hazardous chemical, a manufacturer’s safety data sheet and all other safety information must be provided to the inspecting officer prior to inspection commencing.’

Who does this notice affect:

Importers and customs brokers of containerised fertiliser, ASG and IG.

Further information:

Please contact Sea Cargo on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.