Imported plant hiding grot, keeps AQIS on its toes

Geoff Popple the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) NSW machinery regional coordinator has a good eye for detail.

“Machinery can only be released from quarantine when access has been provided to all areas and all quarantine risk material has been removed,” he says indicating a grader that is currently undergoing inspection at ANJ Container Services Depot in Sydenham in Sydney's inner west. As he talks, he fishes out a small clump of grass and mud from behind the hydraulic hoses housed inside the chassis. “Cleaning takes as long as required,” he adds ominously.

Machinery remains in quarantine until all sites of contamination have been inspected and cleaned. Popple explains that it is important to think of six sides when inspecting a piece of machinery – that is, top, bottom, front, back, left and right.

“We even break the machinery up further, into areas – say the front third, then the middle and cab, and then the rear and engine. Each section is inspected and cleaned in total before moving onto the next. Some vehicles such as large wheel loaders have the cab removed for transport and that makes our job a lot easier.”

Random inspections

A system of random inspections, extensive and on-going training and checks, ensures all the inspectors are up to speed and the risk of contamination passing from the quarantine area is kept to an absolute minimum.

ANJ Container Services' depot is one of a number of quarantine approved premises located around Australia and it is to a facility like this that imported earthmoving equipment and machinery is taken if it fails initial inspection on the docks. All imported used machinery requires an import permit issued by AQIS, and one of the prerequisites is that imported machinery must be cleaned overseas before movement to Australia.

The AQIS website (www.aqis.gov.au) defines clean as `as new' clean. The import permit states that, `Each consignment (including tyres) must be free of soil, mud, live insects, plant and animal debris and other quarantine risk material before arrival in Australia.'

Machinery considered a risk by AQIS inspectors, can be tarped or enclosed and transported to an AQIS approved premise, where quarantine risk material (QRM) is removed. A separator then `separates' oil and water while leaving the solid matter for disposal by accredited contractors.

Entry refused

Alternatively, if the contamination is considered too extensive, the machinery can be refused entry and the permit revoked. In the past this has occurred for backhoes, large wheel loaders, bulldozers, excavators, and drilling and mining equipment. It's an expensive and costly error on behalf of the importers.

The quarantine risks of imported earthmoving equipment are particularly high due to the nature of the work they are involved in. The risk of picking up plant material, seeds, bark, grasses, leaves, straw and other high risk debris is significant and the fact that once imported the machinery can travel all over the country, presents a significant risk factor to Australia's environment and agricultural industries.

With many years in the business, Popple knows exactly where to look to find QRM. “There are areas that are hollow and need to be flushed, blades on graders for instance that can be removed to clean behind.”

It is the responsibility of the importer to provide access to all areas. This may involve removing the false floors of cabs and the head lining, even the speakers inside, and air conditioning filters… each piece of machinery has its own unique design and we have to know where the traps for debris are.

Dismantling often required

“We're not mechanics,” Popple adds, “but we often require the dismantling of parts or even all of the machinery to get at difficult areas, so we need someone from the importer to undertake the dismantling if required. Most often we need to get into hollow sections with damage that has allowed contaminants in, or perhaps concealed areas where grease or hydraulic fluid has been tainted.”

Popple has recently returned from a five week trip to Japan. There, he explains, he and a team of AQIS inspectors have been assisting the US military with their machinery before transport to recent joint exercises in Australia. It is a good indication of the thorough approach that is necessary in ensuring strict quarantine laws. Even Australian military hardware returning from overseas deployment, requires the services of AQIS inspectors, before being cleared for entry back into Australia.

“Surprisingly, new machinery can also present a significant risk,” Popple explains. “Field testing, transport to the loading area, storage before sale, and even the shipping process can contaminate the shipment.”

On ship contamination

Instances of contamination found on new machinery include; bird faecal matter, cross contamination from other items of cargo imported in the same vessel or container, contamination from cargo previously carried on the ship such as loose grain or dirt dislodged from hatches or left in the hold.

Another common problem is `soil splash' which is a thin film of soil that adheres to the machinery, tracks and tyres during the loading process. All these forms of contamination require AQIS inspection and cleaning before the vehicle is released from quarantine.

AQIS is keen to encourage importers to take steps to ensure their machinery is clean prior to importation. The services of an AQIS inspector can be obtained for pre-inspection in the country of origin, ensuring that machinery is clean for importation.

Often Australia's strict guidelines are misinterpreted by or misunderstood by other countries and what might seem reasonable to them is not acceptable for importation – an AQIS inspector can resolve these issues before importation and possible cleaning is required in Australia – along with the associated delays and costs. Also where cleaning is undertaken off-shore, the risks of contamination are significantly reduced.

Cleaning guidelines

AQIS provides advice and assistance through its Machinery and Military National Coordination Centre (M&MNCC). Cleaning guidelines for some machinery types and common models can be obtained from the AQIS website (www.aqis.gov.au/machinery) to assist with the efficient importation of machinery. As the onus is on the importer to ensure compliance, AQIS advises that importers contact the AQIS M&MNCC on 07 3246 8706 or email aqis.machinery@aqis.gov.au to ensure the smooth and efficient movement of their cargo.