Biosecurity Inspections Australia

Cleanliness for import to Australia (BICON)

All heavy machinery, imported into Australia must be free from contamination. Dirty machinery can be re-exported from Australian ports at the importer’s or owner’s expense. It is not a joke. Dirty machines and equipment get re-exported to Singapore or other places for cleaning. A while ago a supplier got his 3 x CAT 740 trucks shipped to an offshore port for cleaning. The cost was 17.000$ until he got his machines back into port of Freemantle.

How clean is clean?

Most exporters and forwarders in places other than Australia think they would know what a clean machine is. But in most cases they have no idea. Take a Caterpillar wheel loader 950H as a sample. On such a machine the Australian authorities would not accept an amount of organic material that exceeds the volume of a coffee mug. On arrival down under a biosecurity office will check your machine. If control fails it will be moved to a cleaning facility or in worst case it would be shipped out of Australia. Download this info as a PDF.

How can you avoid problems?

Send a cleanliness expert to inspect the machine prior shipping. A Mevas quarantine inspector can approve excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers and other equipment prior delivery. We can assist importers and offshore cleaners to meet Australia’s stringent import conditions. Machinery may require dismantling for effective cleaning before importing into Australia. In order to meet import conditions you can talk to our expert. We can help you to meet the standards.

More details abot the biosecurity inspections for import of equipment

Australia has strict biosecurity regulations in place to protect its unique environment from the introduction of pests, diseases, and contaminants through imported goods, including heavy machinery and equipment. Biosecurity inspections are a crucial part of this process. Here's what you should know about biosecurity inspections for heavy machinery before export to Australia:

1. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment in Australia is responsible for biosecurity regulation and enforcement. They oversee the importation of heavy machinery and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with biosecurity standards.

2. Import Permit: In many cases, you will need an import permit to bring heavy machinery into Australia. The type of permit required depends on the machinery's origin, intended use, and the associated biosecurity risks.

3. Risk Assessment: Heavy machinery is assessed for potential biosecurity risks, which may include contamination by soil, plant material, insects, or other foreign matter. Machines used outdoors, especially in agriculture or construction, can carry substantial biosecurity risks.

4. Inspection Points: Biosecurity inspections for heavy machinery typically take place at designated inspection points, which may include ports, airports, or border crossings. These inspection points are equipped with facilities to thoroughly examine machinery for biosecurity risks.

5. Cleaning and Treatment: Machinery may be required to undergo cleaning and treatment processes to remove soil, plant material, or other contaminants. These treatments aim to reduce the risk of introducing pests and diseases into Australia.

6. Inspection Process: During the inspection, officers will visually examine the machinery, including the undercarriage and other hard-to-reach areas. They may use tools and equipment such as pressure washers to ensure that all potential contaminants are removed.

7. Inspection Fees: There may be fees associated with biosecurity inspections and treatments. It's essential to understand and budget for these costs when exporting heavy machinery to Australia.

8. Quarantine Period: In some cases, machinery may be subject to a quarantine period after inspection. This period allows authorities to monitor for any signs of pests or diseases that may have been missed during the initial inspection.

9. Exporter Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that heavy machinery complies with Australian biosecurity regulations. Failure to comply can result in delays, fines, or even the machinery's rejection.

10. Import Conditions: The import conditions for heavy machinery can vary depending on the type of machinery, its origin, and its intended use in Australia. It's essential to consult with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and check the latest requirements and guidelines.

The specific requirements and procedures may change over time, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest regulations and guidelines for importing heavy machinery into Australia. To ensure a smooth export process, work closely with the relevant authorities, including the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, and be prepared to comply with their biosecurity measures.