31 August 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including Master Consolidators, vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents—associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2022-23 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
- Emerging risk countries for 2022-23 season are China and UK only
- Chapters 39, 94 and 95 will be subject to random inspections for emerging risk countries only. This does not apply to target risk countries
- Inspect (unpack) Inspections instead of Secure Seals intact inspections at Approved Arrangements
The department’s BMSB webpage has been updated to reflect the updated measures.
Master Consolidator Identification (MC ID) Registration and Declarations
Master Consolidators are required to register with the department and be allocated an individual Master Consolidator Identification number (MC ID). This MC ID must be used for all declarations made for the LCL/FAK process during the BMSB risk season.
Previously registered MCs do not need to re-register for this season. Please ensure registration details are up to date. For queries on registration details or updates please email spp@agriculture.gov.au.
Reminder that each MC must use their own unique ID when lodging a declaration.
Registration and further information including how to lodge a declaration is available on the Management of LCL/ FAK webpage.
Safeguarding
The Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme (the scheme) is available for the new BMSB Season. The scheme offers an alternative clearance pathway for goods imported as sea cargo in six hard sided shipping containers during the BMSB risk season.
To assist applicants, the application form has been slimmed down and improved.
New minimum requirements to be considered for the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme have been highlighted such as indoor storage between manufacturing and exportation, and the goods must now be transported in a fully enclosed six hard sided container.
Safeguarding Arrangements applications for the 2022-23 season are now open. Further information can be found on the Safeguarding webpage.
Treatment reporting requirements - AEI
The Entity Identifier (AEI) number will again play a key role in identifying target high risk goods that have been treated for BMSB concerns offshore during the BMSB season.
Customs Brokers must enter the AEI for any treatments performed by an offshore BMSB treatment provider.
The AEI is now required to only be entered against the first tariff line of the import declaration. The only exception is for BMSB treatments of break bulk cargo, where the AEI still needs to be entered against every line of target high risk goods.
For class 19.2 accredited persons, AEPCOMM can be used during the BMSB season to manage FCL/FCX targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries onshore and facilitate the release of break bulk consignments that have been appropriately treated offshore or that are exempt from BMSB measures.
Please refer to the AEI reporting web page and guide to assist customs brokers and self-reporting importers with the reporting requirements for the AEI number.
Further information
For further information regarding BMSB seasonal measures, can be found on the BMSB webpage agriculture.gov.au/bmsb or for policy information email spp@agriculture.gov.au
If you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods report it to See. Secure. Report. on 1800 798 636 or complete the online form.