Quarantine Regulations 1927 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1930, No. 136, introduced amendments to the Quarantine Regulations 1927 under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924, with the aim of updating and refining the fees associated with the importation of various types of timber and related materials, as well as the disinfection of raw cotton bales. This legislative instrument was enacted by the person administering the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind these amendments was to ensure that the fees charged reflect the current economic conditions and administrative costs, while also maintaining effective quarantine measures to protect Australia from pests and diseases that could be introduced through imported goods. The amendments outlined in this statutory rule aim to streamline the process and ensure that the costs associated with the inspection, handling, and disinfection of these goods are borne by the importer, thereby facilitating smoother trade operations while safeguarding public health and the environment.

Scope and Application

The Amendment of Quarantine Regulations 1927 under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924 applies to individuals and entities involved in the import of timber, materials, and goods subject to quarantine regulations. The scope includes the imposition of fees and charges on imported timber and materials to cover inspection, disinfection, and potential destruction costs. The regulation sets out specific fees for various types and quantities of timber and other materials, including sawn and dressed timber, logs, bamboo, and various containers, and applies to all imported goods unless explicitly exempted. The legislation's reach is national, applying across all states and territories within Australia. Notably, certain timber imports from Canada, New Zealand, and the United States of America are exempt from some of the fees. The application of the Act is further extended and detailed through the subordinate instrument of the Quarantine Regulations, which provides specific enforcement mechanisms and detailed fee structures.

Key Provisions

This regulation, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924, brings several amendments to the Quarantine Regulations 1927, effective from the first day of December 1930. Firstly, it modifies the fees associated with timber imports by changing the tariff rates and introducing new charges for certain types of timber and related materials (reg. 145). Additionally, it mandates that any costs incurred from the destruction of timber or materials as specified in the regulation must be borne by the importer (reg. 145a). The regulation also introduces new fees for timber inspection and disinfection of raw cotton bales (regs. 146 and 146a). The obligations imposed by these regulations primarily affect importers of timber and related materials, as well as those dealing with raw cotton. Importers are required to pay specific fees for different types of timber and materials based on their packaging and volume (reg. 145). They must also cover the costs if any of the imported goods are ordered to be destroyed by the Chief Quarantine Officer (reg. 145a). Furthermore, importers of raw cotton bales must pay additional fees for the disinfection of these bales (reg. 146a). Failure to comply with these regulations can result in various consequences. While the regulation does not explicitly state offences or penalties, it is implied that non-compliance with the payment of fees or failure to adhere to the stipulated requirements could lead to enforcement actions. This might include financial penalties or legal proceedings under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924. The specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation but would typically be determined in accordance with the broader provisions of the Act.