Newsletter #001 (View other news stories)
FMD - AUSTRALIA PUTS UP THE SHUTTERS
Brisbane, Australia
Friday, 30 Mar 2001
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is only issuing permits for the importation of used machinery from countries that are free from foot and mouth disease (FMD). However, according to AQIS Executive Director Ms Meryl Stanton, the situation will be reviewed on a daily basis.
"We have been free from this serious disease for 128 years, and Australians can rest assured that AQIS is adopting conservative quarantine management practices in its fine- tuning of the import bans," she says.
The problem has to do with soil contamination. Anything that has dirt on it is being treated very harshly. But as always, the situation is not that straight forward.
Darren Tomkinson, National Customs Manager of heavy machinery forwarder Skelton Tomkinson, says used earthmoving machines shipped from the UK before 6 February - and 28 February from other European countries - will be allowed to be unloaded at an Australian port provided they meet the normal quarantine cleanliness requirements.
"There is no blanket ban on the importation of used earthmoving machinery. However, a current AQIS import permit is required and the equipment must be shipped from a FMD-free country."
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