Exporting Technicalities: Packing Declaration

Sea freight shipments come with their own requirements. One of which is a mandatory document called a “Packing Declaration”. What are the things a shipper needs to know about Packing Declarations, and why are they important? Read on below to learn more about this shipping requirement.

The Packing Declaration

The Packing Declaration is a requirement for Australian Customs and the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Services, that declares the kind of material that has been used to pack goods. A Packing Declaration is a mandatory document for sea freight shipments only. 

An exporter shipping items into Australia needs to fulfil this document to ensure that no harmful materials enter the country. The Packing Declaration serves as compliance for biosecurity purposes. Certain packing materials also require fumigation as part of the ISPM 15 compliance and depends on the packing material used. The Department of Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry published an article around ISPM 15, and details the standard for wood packaging materials.

Fulfilling the Packing Declaration is important because Australian Customs need to clear containers, and goods that are imported in Australia. If a sea freight shipment does not have a valid packing declaration, the goods will be directed to AQIS for an inspection. A fee will be charged to the shipper for this process, and further action may be required depending on the outcome of the inspection.

Two Kinds of Packing Declarations

There are two kinds of packing declarations. The first is a “single sea freight shipment declaration” and may be for single Less than Container Loads (LCL) or single Full Container Loads (FCL). As stated, the documentation is only good for the current sea freight shipment and does not cover future shipments. Here is a downloadable copy of an AQIS approved Packing Declaration. The second kind is an “annual declaration”. The annual declaration can be fulfilled by suppliers and will last for 12 months. If an exporter is dealing with multiple suppliers, each supplier needs to have their own annual declaration filled out.

Conclusion

Compliance is important when dealing with shipments. The Packing Declaration has a singular purpose but is still an important part of the shipping process. If you need help to ensure that shipments follow shipping compliance, it is in your best interest to hire a customs broker or agent to assist you with fulfilment and processing. McHugh and Eastwood have the expertise and the industry knowledge to support you with your export. We will help you with compliance, and provide the expertise needed to assist with your cargo, shipment and freight forwarding needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your shipment.