AQIS Reports a Significant Increase in Re-Exports of Used Machinery

2010 Year-to-Date Average Almost Triple 2009 Average

The incidence of used machinery being rejected at Australia's borders - and re-exported at the importer's expense - is on the rise.  At the biannual AQIS / Industry Consultative Committee Meeting in Brisbane last week, management of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service reported an alarming increase in the number of machines being re-exported for failing to meet Australia's stringent cleanliness requirements.

In the 6 months from January to June 2010, fourteen machines have been re-exported under the direction of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.  At an average of 2.33 machines per month, this represents an increase of close to 200% on the 2009 average of 0.833 machines per month.  It was surprising to learn that the majority of the machines re-exported so far this year, have been imported by experienced machinery importers with previously good compliance records.

2010 AQIS Re-Exports (January to June)

January     2 machines re-exported, both shipped in containers and originating from Canada

February   1 machine re-exported, shipped containerised from the United Kingdom

March       3 machines re-exported, 2 shipped break-bulk and 1 containerised, all from the United States of America

April         1 machine re-exported, shipped in a container, from Chile

May          4 machines re-exported, all shipped break-bulk, imported from New Zealand (2), United Kingdom and United States

June        3 machines re-exported, all shipped break-bulk from the United States of America

Australian used machinery importers, and overseas suppliers looking to ship used machinery to Australia, are being advised to carry out pre-shipment AQIS compliance inspections, either using their own experienced personnel or a third party such as Freightplus, who guarantee their inspections against re-export.

Freightplus has experienced AQIS compliance inspectors based in Australia, Japan, Kuala Lumpur, Germany, USA and Panama, offering guaranteed pre-shipment inspections from as little as USD 450.00.

To learn more about Freightplus inspection services (pre-shipment AQIS compliance inspections and / or pre-purchase assessment reports), or for detailed advice or information about Australian entry requirements, talk to someone in your nearest Freightplus office or Rod Mackay, phone + 61 458 286 695, email rod.mackay@freightplus.com

AQIS has prepared the following information brochure as a guideline for Australian machinery importers or parties looking to export used machinery to Australia:

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/vehicles-machinery/regulations/cant-take