Suppliers Information

Re: Sea freight to Australia & mandatory LCL Packing Declarations

Important Statement

Bacto Laboratories Pty Ltd does not approve of straw packaging, timber packaging &/or bark accompanying any goods supplied into Australia. If as a supplier this creates a problem for a shipment please advise Bacto Laboratories Pty Ltd as soon as possible after receiving an order.

Who must supply a Packing Declaration?

All suppliers sending goods to Australia via sea freight.

When did Packing Declarations become mandatory for LCL shipments?

Packing Declarations, similar to those currently mandatory for FCL containers, officially became mandatory for all LCL consignments as of 1 February 2003

Who requires these Packing Declarations?

Australian Customs and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service.

How can I provide this information?

It should be noted that in line with current FCL requirements, a packing declaration may be provided as a separate document (recommended), or the information may appear on packing lists, bills of lading, commercial invoices or preferential tariff certificates only. When packing declarations are presented on these documents they must still adhere to all packing declaration requirements.

Sample of separate document: Packing Declaration (LCLPD.doc 25K).

Information To Be Provided:

Ideally, a container number should be included on the packing declaration; however, other acceptable forms of consignment identification include a bill of lading number, commercial invoice number, preferential tariff certificate number or a packing list number only.

There must be a direct numerical link between the container number and these other formats of consignment identification.

In addition, the packing declaration must be dated OR state the vessel and voyage number, signed OR contain a chop or block stamp incorporating a stamped signature, and on letterhead OR contain a company stamp or seal.

A declaration for each of the following must also be provided:

(i)  Straw Packing Statement

Each packing declaration must contain a statement about the use of straw packing.  Straw includes straw, cereal packing, rice hulls and other unprocessed plant materials used as packing.  It must state whether straw has or has not been used in the packing of the container's concerned.

(ii)  Timber Packing Statement

Each packing declaration must contain a statement about the use of timber packing.  Timber includes crates, cases, dunnage, pallets, skids and any other timber used as a shipping aid.  It must state whether timber has or has not been used in the packing of the container's concerned.

If timber has been used, a valid treatment certificate must also be presented.

(iii)  Bark Statement

Each packing declaration must contain a statement as to whether or not the timber within the container has bark on it.  Bark is the external natural layer covering trees and branches.  This material is distinct and separable from processed timber.