27 September 2017
Who does this notice affect?
Importers of fresh avocado from New Zealand under tariff code 0804.40.00.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is working towards a future compliance-based operating model to increase resource efficiencies and offer cost reductions to importers that demonstrate a high level of compliance. The Compliance Based Inspection Scheme (CBIS) allows for eligible imports of fresh avocado from New Zealand to qualify for risk-based inspections once an importer has established a history of compliance.
Imports of fresh avocado from New Zealand (under tariff code 0840.40.00) will be eligible for CBIS as of 11 October 2017. From this date, importers that demonstrate good compliance by importing 10 consecutive consignments of avocados that pass inspection will qualify for a risked-based inspection frequency on subsequent consignments.
The import conditions for fresh avocados have not changed.
What do I need to do?
Importers and brokers should continue to lodge documentation to the department as per their current practice. When a consignment is lodged in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) under the tariff code for avocado (0840.40.00), you will be prompted to specify whether the consignment has undergone offshore pre-shipment inspection (OPI). Please note that avocado consignments that have undergone OPI are not eligible for the CBIS.
The assessment for eligibility of reduced inspections does not require any additional action.
How does the Compliance-Based Inspection Scheme work?
Importers must initially pass a minimum number of consecutive inspections in order to demonstrate sufficient compliance. For fresh avocado, this number will be 10. After an importer has qualified, each subsequent consignment will have a 50% chance of being directed for inspection. This 50% will be automatically and randomly selected.
If an importer’s consignment fails inspection then they will return to 100% inspection until they requalify for the reduced rate by passing another 10 consecutive inspections.
All consignments are still subject to a documentation assessment before being released by the department.
Further information
More information will be published on the Compliance-Based Inspection Scheme webpage.
For further information please email Plant Import Operations at Imports (please include ‘Tier 2 – CBIS’ in the subject heading) or phone 1800 900 090.