Automatic Entry Processing (AEP) Reform
Expansion of the Approved Arrangement Class 19.2 Automatic Entry Processing for Commodities (AEPCOMM)
Further to systems enhancements, simplification and expansion of AEP last year, we are pleased to announce the addition of more commodities to the AEPCOMM scope. The additional commodities are:
- finfish (non-consumer ready) from all countries
- fish roe (including caviar) from all countries
- starter cultures (yeast) for human consumption
- manufactured articles containing animal material (including hair and feathers)
- Prefabricated buildings (including offices, accomodation units and caravans)
- honey (including honeycomb)
- unaccompanied personal effects (including bequeathed goods)
These commodities are available for processing under AEPCOMM from 26 August 2019 post completion of the Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity 19-20/02: AEPCOMM Expansion. From this date the relevant BICON pathways (AEPCOMM user access) will also be updated to reflect the changes.
Please note that due to the import conditions changes for fresh garlic for human consumption (IAN 100-2019), the commodity group Fresh garlic and garlic shoots is out of scope of the arrangement from 26 August 2019.
Continued Biosecurity Competency for the AEPCOMM Expansion
If you are an accredited person operating under the AEPCOMM approved arrangement, you are required to undertake CBC training prior to using AEPCOMM for clearance of the new commodities.
We are offering CBC training (CBC activity 19-20/02) through a live webinar on 26 August at 1:00pm (AEST). The webinar will be recorded and made available on the Training and accreditation for approved arrangements webpage by 29 August 2019 for those that cannot attend it.
You will receive details for joining the webinar by email when you register (you can do this in advance). Please ensure you have access to the Requirements and conditions for approved arrangement class 19.2: automatic entry processing for commodities (v8.0) document for the webinar. The updated document will be published on this webpage soon.
Assessment for this session will be managed by CBC providers/relevant industry associations. Your assessment must be completed by 1 December 2019 and prior to using AEPCOMM for clearance of the new commodities.
Check the Training and accreditation for approved arrangements webpage for more details.
Additional system updates to support AEPCOMM expansion: CPQs and ACC codes.
New Community protection questions (CPQs) have been added to some AEPCOMM tariffs in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). These questions will support the commodities identified in the table below and assist in reducing the risk of lodging out of scope commodities through AEPCOMM in error.
| Tariff | Commodity |
|---|---|
| 0302 & 0303 | Finfish and roe |
| 9404 & 9603 | Manufactured articles containing animal hair and feathers |
The use of the Agriculture/AQIS commodity (ACC) code to identify specific commodities under a broad tariff group was introduced to AEPCOMM last year. Please note that you are required to enter an ACC code in the AQIS commodity code field in the ICS when lodging the new commodity group: Manufactured articles containing animal derived material. It is also a requirement for the existing commodity group: Fresh onions and shallots.
Department initiated variation of broker approved arrangements
With the expansion of AEPCOMM, we have taken the opportunity to update and clarify the terminology in both class 19.1 non-commodity for containerised cargo (NCCC) and class 19.2 automatic entry processing for commodities (AEPCOMM) requirements and conditions documents. Due to these significant changes, a notice of intent to vary broker approved arrangements will be issued under s413 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Action Required
The notice of intent to vary the approved arrangement will be sent to the approved arrangement manager. If the details registered with us are incorrect or you have not received the notice of intent by 15 August 2019 please contact the Broker Administration team.
If your contact details have changed please fill out the Change of details form.
If you have changed your AA Manager please fill in the Application to vary a broker approved arrangement.
All forms and or any questions may be directed to the Broker Administration team.
The requirements and conditions documents for the broker approved arrangements (Class 19.1 and 19.2) have been updated with some significant terminology and format changes. Copies of these documents will be published soon for your convenience, please ensure you read and understand them.
If you believe there are any concerns with your ability to comply with the class 19.1 and class 19.2 requirements and conditions documents you should advise us via Broker administration.
Automatic entry processing for commodities and Brown marmorated stink bug
The AEP Reform team has been working closely with the Seasonal Pest Policy team to ensure commodity groups affected by Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) measures (currently in scope of the AEPCOMM) remain available under the approved arrangement during the 2019-20 BMSB season (1 September – 31 May inclusive). You can find detailed information on BMSB measures on the Seasonal measures for brown marmorated stink bug webpage.
In preparation for next season, we are addressing some issues and limitations experienced for AEPCOMM lodgements during the 2018-20 BMSB season. This includes:
- removing complexities with LCL clearance processes
- expanding clearance pathways (for example, by providing additional treatment options)
- system improvements to reduce the number of AEP processing errors for multi-line declarations containing a mixture of BMSB high risk and risk target goods or goods from emerging BMSB risk countries
- incorporating AEPCOMM notices and AEPCOMM codes into the relevant pathways within the BMSB hitchhiker pests BICON case (as per other BICON cases where AEPCOMM applies).
Industry support
We encourage businesses to make the most of their broker approved arrangements while assisting them in complying with requirements. If you need support with the AEP process send your queries via email to AEPSupport@agriculture.gov.au.
If you are an accredited person under AEPCOMM you must use your BICON AEPCOMM user access when determining if a commodity and pathway are in scope of the arrangement. This BICON function was developed to enable you to determine the appropriate biosecurity outcome and AEPCOMM code to enter in the system for a particular import pathway.
If you need to get AEPCOMM user access, you can find Task cards on how to register in the Help section of BICON, under Account registration and maintenance.
The following task cards will assist you with the lodgement process changes brought by the AEP reform. Please note that we have added Updating the nominated email address in the ICS task card.
