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Inspection of air cargo

STEPS PROCEDURE FOR AIRPORT CARGO INSPECTION
1-5 Refer to Basic Requirements 
6 Examine the manifest [manifest obtained as Step 1 of Basic requirements] and identify the regulated articles (commodities) that will require clearance. Use a highlighter pen to mark the manifest.
7 Compare the manifest with the list of import permits issued for that date and check for compliance with the import requirements.
8 Identify the most perishable commodities and begin their clearance (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables and plants), followed by the non-perishable goods (e.g. seeds).
9 Visually identify the commodities in the container and determine whether the commodity requires treatment offshore or onshore. Check that the import requirements comply with those in the manual.

If offshore, go to Step 10.

If onshore, go to Step 11.
10 Check the phytosanitary certification:

  • identification of commodities
  • quantity
  • source of commodity/country or production area
  • additional declarations.

If the details are in order, the consignment can be released. (The release may be subject to an audit inspection that is not part of the import requirements but is a national function or part of a bilateral agreement.) Go to Step 12.
11 Identify the commodity and the country of production and determine the inspection and treatments required. These will include details of:

  • sampling size and method of taking a sample;
  • inspection procedure and methodology;
  • interception and identification of pests; and
  • treatment of regulated pests.

The specific import requirements into a country are given in Section 1.2.I: Import requirements.

If a pest is detected, take a sample, label it and, if you cannot identify it, refer it to an expert for a definitive observation and to a senior officer for a decision on the action to be taken.

The purpose of the identification is to determine if the pest is a quarantine pest in accordance with the national  phytosanitary legislation, and the appropriate phytosanitary measures that are required to manage the risk of the entry of this pest.
12 Undertake the inspection and treatment as required. Determine the import requirements/treatments for the quarantine pests identified.

Collect specimens for identification.
13 Goods can be released.
14 Complete the documentation for the phytosanitary procedure.
15 Notify non-compliance.
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