Automatic Entry Processing (AEP) Reform
Automatic entry processing for commodities and Brown marmorated stink bug measures
Important system changes
From November 29, 2019 accredited persons will be able to:
- address Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) risk in addition to standard biosecurity risk for boats and caravans using AEPCOMM.
- direct goods subject to BMSB risk for heat treatment (BMSBHT) if appropriate.
Please note: Methyl bromide fumigation will remain as an option to treat BMSB risk, however code BMSBFUM will be replaced by BMSBMB. Relevant pathways in the BMSB hitchhiker BICON case will reflect this change. BMSBFUM will no longer applicable.
Other system changes include:
- BMSBREL code will be applicable for FCL and breakbulk consignment of timber products subject to BMSB measures when requirements for both the BMSB risk and biosecurity risk has been addressed offshore. The relevant BICON pathways will be updated to reflect this change.
- AEPCOMM settings will be updated to automate random verification inspections when lines are selected for random onshore BMSB verification e.g. post onshore/offshore treatment verification.
The above changes will allow more consignments subject to BMSB measures to process successfully through AEPCOMM and reduce the number of AEP processing errors. To avoid delays with AEPCOMM lodgements, accredited persons should nominate an AA site ID in the AQIS Premises ID field of the ICS even when release from biosecurity control is the expected outcome (i.e. BMSBREL code is applied).
Managing BMSB risk through AEPCOMM
The AEP reform and Seasonal pest policy teams have worked closely to ensure commodity groups affected by BMSB measures remain available under AEPCOMM during the 2019-20 BMSB season (1 September – 31 May inclusive).
The BMSB hitchhiker pests BICON case has been updated to incorporate AEPCOMM information. This information replaces the Assessment guide for class 19.2 accredited persons that was used to assess goods during the 2018-19 BMSB season.
AEPCOMM accredited persons are required to determine standard biosecurity concerns as well as BMSB measures if applicable. This is achieved by first referring to the standard commodity BICON case followed by the BMSB hitchhiker pests’ case. For a more detailed procedure (and case studies) refer to the Using AEPCOMM during the BMSB season task card.
The following information provides you with a high level summary of available pathways and scenarios for the management of BMSB risk for commodities under AEPCOMM.
Table 1. High level summary of available BMSB pathways under AEPCOMM
| Cargo type | Pathway |
|---|---|
| FCL/FCX (Scenarios 1 and 2) |
|
| Break bulk (Scenario 2) |
|
| LCL (Scenario 3) |
|
Scenario 1. Goods that require BMSB treatment or inspection on arrival
If goods subject to BMSB seasonal measures have not been treated prior to arrival in Australia, you need to assess the goods under the ‘All requirements not met’ pathway in the BMSB hitchhiker pests BICON case. Depending on the type of goods, you can use AEPCOMM to direct for treatment or inspection:
1) Goods not treated offshore for BMSB; 2) AEPCOMM being used; 3) Relevant AEPCOMM group and pathway; 4) View outcomes
Scenario 2. Goods that have been treated for BMSB offshore by a registered and approved offshore treatment provider
If goods subject to BMSB seasonal measures have been treated prior to arrival in Australia, you need to assess the goods under the ‘All requirements met’ pathway in the BMSB hitchhiker pests BICON case. Further intervention from the department may not be required if there are no biosecurity concerns.
1) Goods treated offshore for BMSB at an acceptable rate by an approved provider; 2) AEPCOMM being used; 3) Relevant AEPCOMM group and pathway; 4) View outcomes
Scenario 3. Clearance of LCL consignments subject to biosecurity
Changes to the FAK/LCL process ensure that all BMSB risk is managed at the container level, this means you can use AEPCOMM for the clearance of in-scope LCL consignments to address standard biosecurity risk only. Further information on this process can be found on the Management of LCL/FAK containers webpage.
Continued Biosecurity Competency for the AEPCOMM Expansion
On August 26, AEPCOMM was expanded to include more commodities. For this reason, if you are an accredited person for AEPCOMM you are required to complete CBC session 19-20/02 (webinar and assessment) by December 1, 2019 to maintain accreditation. A copy of the webinar is available on the department’s Training and accreditation for approved arrangements webpage. Please contact your industry organisation to complete your assessment.
Industry support
We encourage businesses to make the most of their broker approved arrangements while assisting them in complying with requirements. If you need support with the AEP process send your queries via email to AEPSupport@agriculture.gov.au.
If you are an accredited person under AEPCOMM you must use your BICON AEPCOMM user access when determining if a commodity and pathway are in scope of the arrangement. This BICON function was developed to enable you to determine the appropriate biosecurity outcome and AEPCOMM code to enter in the system for a particular import pathway.
If you need to get AEPCOMM user access, you can find Task cards on how to register in the Help section of BICON, under Account registration and maintenance.
The following task cards will assist you with the lodgment process changes brought by the AEP reform.
Download
If you have difficulty accessing these files, please visit web accessibility.
If you would like more information or have any questions about AEPCOMM please email the AEP support team.