August 28, 2020 Australian Cargo Shipping Requirements and Legislation

Gain an understanding of Australian cargo best practices to ensure your items are shipped successfully.

Shipping items in and out of Australia means adhering to government guidelines to ensure that your cargo reaches its destination without issue. Failing to follow the requirements and legislation put in place by the authorities could result in you incurring penalties, which is always best avoided. With a basic understanding of Australian cargo shipping best practices, you can ensure that your items are shipped successfully.

Because of its geographical location and unique biodiversity, Australia has strict biodiversity requirements, which must be followed whether you are importing or exporting goods. Container fumigation services can help to make this process much more straightforward. The fumigation process will ensure that all insects, pests and other foreign matter are removed from the container before it is allowed to enter into the country. Speak to your shipping company about these additional services that can help to make the process of complying with regulations easier to follow.

Let’s take a look at some of the Australian cargo shipping requirements and legislation you should be aware of.

Use A Clean Shipping Container

Shipping containers must be free of contamination both on the inside and outside of the unit. All soul, grains, insects, snails and other organic material must be removed. You will be required to submit a cleanliness declaration to state that your container has been cleaned to the required standard. Your shipment could be delayed if you fail to meet these requirements and you will incur charges if your container is found to be contaminated. Ensure that your containers meet the sea container cleaning standards form the Department Of Agriculture Water and the Environment to maintain compliance.

Packing Declaration

Cargo shipments are required to be accompanied by an accurate and detailed packing declaration. This document should outline details regarding container cleanliness. It should also identify whether or not straw or timber has been used in the packaging materials. If you fail to provide the correct information, your container will be brought to an Approved Arrangement site for your goods to be inspected by the officials. This will delay the progress of your shipment and could result in fines being issued.

Timber Packaging Regulations

All timber packaging that you are placing in your container must be treated in a method approved by the Department Of Agriculture Water and the Environment. Timber that is used must also be completely bark-free in order to meet regulations. For goods that have been loaded with timber dunnage, a valid treatment certificate must be presented. If these requirements are not followed carefully, the container will be sent for treatment, resulting in charges being applied and delays.

Choose Packaging Materials With Care

Selecting the right packaging materials from the very beginning can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Avoid using prohibited materials such as straw, fruit, veg, egg or meat cartons or pre-used sacks or bags. If any of these materials are found in your container, they will be removed by government officials and destroyed. You could face heavy fines and your shipment will be delayed on its course to its final destination.

Follow The Regulations With Care To Avoid Penalties And Delays

Compliance with Australia’s cargo shipping requirements and legislation will ensure that your cargo reaches its destination without issue. Not only will your customers be happy that your cargo is delivered on time but you will avoid incurring expensive penalties. Delays to your shipments can have a detrimental impact on your business, as your customers will seek your products elsewhere if your shipments are always arriving late due to non-compliance. Keep your customers satisfied and your business running efficiently by following the regulations carefully and doing your due diligence.

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