COVID-19: Advice for Importers & Exporters
The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted importers and exporters around the world. From lockdowns to travel bans, the first half of 2020 has been a difficult one to navigate for anyone involved in international trade.
In a quickly evolving situation, it’s been a challenge to keep up with new restrictions, such as border closures and biosecurity controls. As we move through the pandemic, it’s going to be equally challenging to navigate the easing of measures as normal freight transit resumes.
While importing and exporting has been harder to navigate in recent months, freight is still being moved into and out of Australia. For importers and exporters, it’s more important than ever to keep up with government advice so you understand how changing restrictions could impact your operations.
Advice for Importers
While no extra restrictions have been put in place for importing goods into Australia due to COVID-19, importers still need to comply with all existing laws and import requirements. Border Force continues to manage customs clearance processes and is still liaising with importers and their agents in relation to import declarations.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) is also undertaking regular operations, including processing permits, inspecting imported goods, identifying intercepted pests and monitoring treatment activities. Site inspections and audits of Australian-based import facilities continue, however, site audits of overseas facilities have been impacted by travel bans and restrictions here and overseas.
Similarly, as some overseas governments are no longer able to send original paper-based certificates due to air travel delays, DAWE are temporarily accepting certain electronic certificates for:
● fresh produce, cut flowers, plants and other plant-based goods
● imported animals, biological and animal-based goods
As the pandemic continues, it’s possible that the situation may change for importers. To stay up to date with current measures, make sure you’re regularly checking in with the dedicated COVID-19 pages of Border Force and DAWE.
Advice for Exporters
For exporters, DAWE is continuing to maintain export chains by certifying products, inspecting and auditing premises and assisting with exports, although the department is not hosting or attending face-to-face meetings or workshops during the pandemic.
Border Force is still processing export declarations and undertaking all normal customs activity, with a focus on keeping their workforce safe. Exporters still need to comply with all existing Australian laws as well as those of the destination country.
Original paper export certificates are still required, although EU countries will accept scanned copies when it’s not possible to send the original certificate with the consignment. As a contingency, it’s recommended to send a scanned copy with the paper copy, regardless of the destination country.
Other countries may require extra assurances for exported products due to the spread of COVID-19, including requests for additional assurances on export certificates or statements that products are not contaminated. Exporters should regularly check the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) for updates on exporter obligations.
Prohibited Goods
Exporters should note that additional items have been added to the prohibited goods list as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Under regulation 13GI of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 export of the following goods is currently prohibited:
● disposable face masks
● disposable gloves
● disposable gowns
● goggles, glasses or eye visors.
● alcohol wipes
● hand sanitizer.
Exceptions to this regulation include export for personal use; export by a humanitarian organisation; export by the manufacturer, and export as part of normal business. More information on exports impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at Home Affairs.
General Advice
Receiving packages or handling goods from affected areas is still considered safe, with the World Health Organization advising that the chance of commercial goods spreading COVID-19 is low. However, importers & exporters should always follow applicable infection prevention guidelines and continue to practice good hand hygiene when handling goods.
Global freight has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions, with lockdowns and travel bans impacting transport of goods domestically and internationally. While freight is still being moved, there are increasing delays for importers and exporters due to reduced flights, border controls and social distancing measures.
In Australia, internal borders are still tightly controlled, particularly in WA, QLD and TAS. While freight is exempt from these measures, inspections at border checkpoints are adding to domestic transport timelines. In light of this, importers & exporters should continue to build in extra time for transport and delivery.
Continue to stay up-to-date with developments with these links to government resources:
Importers
Import Industry Advice Notices
Exporters
Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR)
General
Department of Agriculture, Water & Environment (DAWE)
PJs Customs are experts in importing and exporting and we’re here to guide you through the current pandemic. To find out how we can help email us on logistics@pjscustoms.com.au or give us a call on 1300 395 760 for more information.