Tarping containers and breakbulk on wharf

The Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) sets out the rules for imported goods that need a biosecurity inspection. Some goods must be inspected on the wharf before they can leave the port.

These include:

• containers exported from the Country Action List (high biosecurity risk countries)
• goods not in containers (break-bulk)
• suspected contaminated goods.

Our Biosecurity officers will inspect the goods on the wharf. They will decide if the goods:

• can be released from biosecurity control
• require treatment on the wharf, or
• should be moved to an approved arrangement (AA) site.

When to move goods to an AA site

Goods will be directed to move to an AA site if:

• the inspection cannot be completed on the wharf
• biosecurity risk material is found
• the wharf does not have suitable facilities to manage the risk.

Tarping to manage biosecurity risk

If biosecurity risk material (such as soil or plant matter) could fall off during transport, the goods must be covered by a tarp.

The type of tarping depends on the level of risk:

• Full tarping — if contamination is on multiple surfaces of a container or goods.
• Partial tarping — where contamination is limited to one area. For example, underneath.
• Alternative methods — these include placing goods in a sealed container or using an enclosed vehicle carrier, if appropriate.

Goods that must stay on the wharf

Some goods must be tarped and remain on the wharf. This includes:

• goods waiting for export because they do not meet import conditions or seasonal pest requirements
• goods subject to approved onshore Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) measures
• goods subject to specific commodity import conditions.

These goods remain subject to our verification and surveillance checks.

Approved arrangement responsibilities for tarped and moved goods

Most goods no longer require a biosecurity officer to verify tarping before they leave the wharf for treatment or further inspection.

If verification is required, we will issue a direction. The goods must not leave the wharf until a biosecurity officer has verified the tarping and issued a movement direction.

When goods arrive at the AA site, an accredited person must visually check that tarping is secure. We may also conduct random checks to ensure biosecurity risks are controlled during transport.

Who can verify tarping on arrival

Tarping must be checked by an accredited person operating under the AA.

The person who applied the tarp must NOT be the same person who verifies it at the AA site. This helps maintain transparency and accountability of the process.

Report issues

You must report any problems with the tarping of goods using the Reportable biosecurity incident form.

If a tarping issue is identified, and no live pests, insects or animals are found during the visual inspection, the AA site may manage the goods as directed after the issue has been reported.

Do not proceed if live pests, insects or animals are found. If these are found at any time, immediately call the See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636.

Industry reference guide

This guide will help with tarping and verification for goods, including Country Action List goods.