Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS)

The SCHS is a performance-based system with onshore intervention rates based on the cleanliness of containers arriving into Australia.

Under a SCHS agreement, sea containers are cleaned offshore and treated externally with an insecticide, in accordance with the department's minimum hygiene requirements. Offshore biosecurity risk management of sea containers can reduce the need for inspection or additional biosecurity risk management on arrival in Australia.

The SCHS Assessment and Management Policy outlines the methods for determining the appropriate on-arrival inspection rate.

SCHS agreements may be reviewed at the department’s discretion and are subject to risk reviews. Measures to address emerging pests may be required by the SCHS entity.

Only the cleanliness of the container is considered under the SCHS. Relevant biosecurity import conditions still apply to goods and commodities on or within sea containers.

Import conditions for goods arriving in Australia can be found using Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON).

The department encourages importers from countries or ports identified as being on the Country Action List (CAL) to consider implementing a SCHS. Importers from countries or ports not listed on the CAL may also apply.

SCHS agreements can operate with an entity (e.g. shipping line, container processing facility or port authority) or at a government-to-government level. A government-to-government agreement allows for SCHS recognition of a whole country or port in line with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM).

Interested entities are responsible for the costs associated with the establishing a SCHS. This includes the cost of departmental activities, including:

• review of application forms and supporting materials, and
• travel costs for onsite audits required for the purposes of assessing an application or scoping a proposal.

SCHS entities are also responsible for ongoing costs relating to the management of the facility, including travel costs for departmental onsite audits under the SCHS Assessment and Management Policy.

Note: The department may require the attendance of two biosecurity officers to complete an external site audit based on information found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website “Smart traveller” regarding safety and security issues of the specified country. Where travel restrictions exist, virtual or remote audits may be considered.

Please contact SCHS Cargo Policy for further information on setting up a SCHS or to request a scoping audit.

Interested entities will need to demonstrate that the minimum standards for an offshore hygiene system are in place at the proposed port and facility. Refer to the SCHS Offshore Hygiene Requirements – Industry Guide for more information.

When ready, the entity can submit an application to the department comprised of a Code of Practice (COP) or Quality Manual.

Interested governments will be required to demonstrate compliance with the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM).

Timeframes for assessment of an application vary.

If the department confirms the interested entity meets the minimum requirements, it may progress an onsite pre-approval audit to confirm compliance against the submitted documentation, processes and procedures. Following a successful onsite audit and assessment of documentation, the SCHS entity will enter a three-month (one quarter) assurance period.

All types of containers imported through the sea cargo pathway can be considered under the SCHS.

Containers include but are not limited to general and refrigerated (reefer) containers (loaded and/or empty) and empty flat racks. The SCHS may also apply to transhipped containers if shipped and cleaned via recognised SCHS facilities prior to arrival in Australia.

Contamination may result in increased intervention rates depending on its severity. The SCHS Assessment and Management Policy outlines further actions relating to contamination.

Further biosecurity risk management activities may be required at additional cost to the importer. Information on inspection and clearance of goods, including fees and charges, can be found on the department’s website.

The department will provide reports during the assurance period and a compliance report every quarter outlining any contamination history, intervention level and any other relevant issues. SCHS contamination thresholds and intervention level adjustments are not negotiable as they are based on historical compliance data.

The SCHS Offshore Hygiene Requirements – Industry Guide outlines procedures industry can implement to meet the minimum standards of the system. This document serves as a guide only, it is not intended to be prescriptive.

Alternative cleaning and treatment processes may be considered if the interested entity can demonstrate the minimum requirements.

Additional measures may be required if there are identified pest risks associated with a particular country or port.

Yes, the recognised facilities listed below are general use facilities that may be available to treat sea containers on your behalf. Contact the facilities directly for further details.

SCHS recognition applies only to the recognised participant.

It is possible to use an existing hygiene system if it meets the minimum offshore hygiene requirements. If the existing system does not meet all minimum requirements, adjustment may be required before the system can be assessed. Alternative cleaning and treatment processes may be considered for assessment.

For further information on the Sea Container Hygiene System, please contact the department via email: SCHS Cargo Policy or phone 1800 900 090 or if from outside Australia (61 3) 8318 6700.

Additional guidance material

• The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) includes comprehensive information and references on all aspects of the loading and securing of cargo in containers. Annex 6: Minimising the risk of recontamination is recommended to assist with management of the hygiene system.
• The IPPC Sea Container Task Force also provides material to facilitate and support the reduction of pest risks associated with the movement of sea containers.

To ensure all required information can be provided to the department in a consistent method, guides and templates have been developed for industry. Completed applications and required supporting documentation can be emailed to the department via: SCHS Cargo Policy.

The department currently accepts sea container hygiene certification from the below general use facilities.

*Please note this list is not exhaustive and additional recognised facilities may be available in additional ports. To enquire if SCHS facilities may be available please contact your shipping agent or the relevant port authorities.