Quarantine Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1922 No. 117, titled "Amendment of Quarantine Regulations 1917", was enacted by the Deputy of the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920. The regulation, which came into operation immediately, aims to address the need for stringent control over the importation of animal hair and bristles to safeguard against the introduction of pests and diseases. The regulation specifies the conditions under which animal hair or bristles, except those cleaned for manufacturing purposes, can be imported. It outlines the mandatory treatment methods for such imports to ensure they are free from contaminants, including washing, steam exposure, or boiling, unless exempted by an official certificate from New Zealand or Norfolk Island. The policy objective of these amendments is to reinforce Australia's quarantine measures to protect agricultural and ecological health, thereby preventing potential economic and environmental damage from invasive species and diseases. The regulation underscores the importance of stringent oversight in the importation of potentially hazardous animal products, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining high biosecurity standards.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine Regulations 1922, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, apply to all individuals and entities involved in the importation of animal hair or bristles into Australia, except those sourced from New Zealand or Norfolk Island. These regulations govern the conditions under which such materials can be imported and specify mandatory treatment protocols to ensure they are free from pests and diseases. The geographic scope of these regulations is national, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia, with specific exclusions for animal hair or bristles from New Zealand and Norfolk Island, provided they are accompanied by an official certificate attesting to their origin. The treatment methods outlined include washing with specific chemicals and solutions, exposure to steam, or boiling, ensuring the materials are rendered safe for further processing or use. The regulations also include a financial bond requirement for importers who choose to have the materials treated at an approved location rather than at a quarantine station. This legislative instrument, through its subordinate regulations, seeks to protect Australia's biosecurity by controlling the introduction of potentially harmful organisms through imported animal products.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations pertain to the importation of animal hair or bristles, with specific conditions outlined in section 68a. This regulation mandates that all animal hair or bristles, except those that are clean and scoured for manufacturing purposes, must be removed to a quarantine station or an approved place upon landing. These materials must then undergo one of three treatment methods: washing with soap, warm water, and sodium carbonate followed by exposure to a formaldehyde solution and allowed to dry; exposure to steam at a specific pressure and vacuum for a minimum duration; or boiling in water for a set period. The regulation further requires that if the hair or bristles are taken to an approved location rather than a quarantine station, a bond of £50 must be entered into by the importer or owner to ensure compliance with the prescribed treatment. This regulation does not apply to animal hair or bristles originating from New Zealand or Norfolk Island, provided they are accompanied by an official certificate attesting to their origin. The obligations imposed by these regulations on the parties involved are significant. Importers and owners of animal hair or bristles must ensure that these items are transported to either a quarantine station or an approved location and that they undergo the specified treatment processes. This includes the requirement to enter into a bond if the materials are taken to an approved location. The Chief Quarantine Officer has the authority to approve places for the storage and treatment of these materials, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases. Additionally, the regulation requires that all imported hair or bristles from New Zealand or Norfolk Island must be accompanied by an official certificate to exempt them from the treatment requirements. The consequences for non-compliance with these regulations are outlined in the bond requirement and potential penalties under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920. Failure to transport animal hair or bristles to a designated quarantine station or approved place, or to subject them to the prescribed treatment methods, may result in legal action. The bond of £50 serves as a financial deterrent and ensures that the materials are treated appropriately. Additionally, the Quarantine Act may impose further penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential criminal charges. The specific penalties are detailed within the broader scope of the Quarantine Act, but the regulations themselves emphasise the importance of adhering to the treatment and transportation requirements to safeguard against the introduction of pests and diseases.