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Commercial consignments – Inspection only

STEPS PROCEDURE FOR COMMERCIAL CONSIGNMENTS – INSPECTION ONLY
1 The exporter advises the biosecurity office of the intention to export the commodity – well  in advance according to national biosecurity legislation.
2 The exporter arranges the time, date and location of inspection.
3  The exporter advises the biosecurity office of requirements for export – import permit requirements.
4 Check documents, such as:

  • import permit from importing country.

Check details with import phytosanitary measures list.
5 Check the equipment you will require.

  • Refer to Appendix A.
  • Make sure the equipment functions.
6 Check that you have all the forms required for the certification of the consignment (phytosanitary certificate) and the schedule of fees.
7 Check that you are undertaking a site-specific inspection (Section 1.1.1) and/or a commodity-specific inspection (Section 1.1.2) and obtain the operational instructions that apply.
8 Check that it is either an on-site or off-site inspection (registered premises). If off-site check that the site is registered.

If export procedures/import requirements cannot be determined, no special endorsement of the international phytosanitary certificate (PC) is required.

For biosecurity entry into a country it may not be necessary to issue a PC, but the exporter may request this document as part of the financial arrangements for a letter of credit.
9 Check that facilities and equipment are available to undertake the inspection.

Checklist :

  • the area is covered and screened
  • the area has a sealed floor – concrete
  • there are facilities for disposal of waste
  • there is an area for the inspection of goods/produce on a table or similar surface
  • adequate lighting
  • adequate water
10  For a particular consignment, determine the sample size from Sampling
11 Take the required sample and inspect it for pests. Specific regulated (quarantine) pests may be specified in the import permit and should be looked for. Other non-quarantine pests need not be recorded. Look for the following:

  • fruit fly strikes
  • galls on leaves
  • insect damage by cutting or piercing
  • soil
  • insect frass
  • plant parts not part of the commodity.

The legislation permits you to take samples, to inspect the sample, and to have it tested in order to issue a certificate
12 If regulated pests are detected, the consignment is to be a prohibited export and a certificate is not issued. Depending on the specific circumstances and any arrangement that the biosecurity office may have with the importing biosecurity office the consignment may be permitted to be re-consolidated and presented for another inspection. However, this is not an option where the infestation is considered to be widespread within the consignments or in many lots. The inspection process ends here.  Go to Step 14.

If regulated pests are not detected, go to Step 13.
13 Issue the phytosanitary certificate in accordance with the export requirements.
14 Complete the documentation of the process. Where pests are detected, take samples and, if these cannot be immediately identified, refer them to the specialist entomologist/plant pathologist.
Identification of pests that have been detected during the inspection is important, as it can be the basis for a refusal to issue an international phytosanitary certification as required by the exporter and is also a confirmation that the pest is present in the country.
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