Department of Agriculture - AEI and Producer Code Update (NNF 2015/105)


As part of the Department of Agriculture (the department) recent review of the Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy, the department reviewed the AQIS Entity Identifier/s (AEI) and Producer Code declaration in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).

One key operational change, which was not communicated via a department industry notice, now requires you to select the correct AQIS Entity Identifier/s (AEI) from the AEI field in either the ICS or your third party software.

AQIS Entity Identifier/s (AEI)


What does the AQIS Entity Identifier (AEI) import declaration requirement mean to me?

If you are importing a consignment that has a Methyl Bromide fumigation certificate (excluding MB treatments endorsed solely on a phytosanitary certificate) you must select the correct AQIS Entity Identifier/s (AEI) from the AEI field in either the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) or your third party software. This applies for consignments from Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) participating countries and non-AFAS countries.
 
Note: ISPM15 compliant packaging is not covered in these changes and will continue to be managed as per current guidelines.

How to use the AQIS Entity Identifier (AEI) field

For more information on how to use the AEI field, click HERE.

For details on how to enter AEI details in the Wisetech Global Enterprise system (also known as Cargowise 1) click HERE.

Other third party software used in our industry will have similar functionality where you can enter the AEI details.

What happens if I don’t enter these details or I enter them incorrectly?

Your consignment will be placed on hold pending an amendment to the import declaration, no further processing of the consignment will take place until the import declaration is amended to include the details.

Producer Code


What does Declaring the producer code in an imported food import declaration requirement mean to me?

If you are declaring imported goods that are required to meet Imported Food Inspections Scheme (IFIS) requirements you will need to declare the producer of the goods against each line of the Full Import Declaration (FID).

This is another key area that requires clarification as to the declaration of producer codes for imported foods. 

We have been liaising with the department in relation to the declaration of producer codes for imported food, and can confirm it only applies to risk category food and not all imported foods as stated in the Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy.

The department confirmed that it is not a mandatory requirement to declare the producer in the ICS for all imported foods only risk category foods. The department’s preference is for producer codes to be declared for all imported foods, however the CBFCA has raised concerns regarding the impact of mandatory requirements on industry without a facility to enable industry to create producer codes in the ICS.  A review of the mandatory requirement will be considered once this facility is in place.

For more information refer to the Documentary policy review 2015 – Table of amendments and frequently asked questions.

We will continue to be your voice to government agencies as we operate in an increased regulatory environment focused on compliance and enforcement.