Quarantine Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1934 No. 147, enacted under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924, addresses an amendment to the Quarantine Regulations of 1927. This legislative instrument was introduced to modify the existing fee structure for goods entering Australia, specifically the fees associated with the weighing of packages. The regulation was made by the Governor-General, Isaac Alfred Isaacs, in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, highlighting the importance and authority of this adjustment. The policy objective, as stated in the regulation, is to provide a more streamlined and fair fee system for the importation of goods, ensuring that the costs accurately reflect the weight of the packages, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the quarantine procedures.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine Regulations 1934, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1924, apply to all persons and entities involved in the importation of goods into Australia, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and importers. The scope of these regulations encompasses the inspection, treatment, and certification of imported goods to ensure they comply with Australian biosecurity standards. The regulations are applicable across the entire Commonwealth of Australia, affecting all states and territories. Notably, the amendments address the fee structure for the inspection of goods based on their weight, with specific rates set for packages not exceeding one cental gross weight and higher rates for heavier packages. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in these particular regulations, and they extend the application of the Quarantine Act by specifying more detailed fee structures and conditions for the inspection of goods. Subordinate instruments may further refine the application of these regulations to accommodate specific industries or types of goods as necessary.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations pertain specifically to the amendment of Regulation 145 paragraph (c) of the Quarantine Regulations 1927 (Section 1). This amendment modifies the fee structure for packages subject to quarantine. Previously, the fee was determined based on the weight of the package, with a specific charge for packages weighing half a cental or less, and a different charge for packages weighing more than half a cental. The new amendment simplifies this by setting a fee for packages not exceeding one cental gross weight and a different fee for anything exceeding this weight, with charges set at twopence per cental or part thereof. These regulations impose obligations on entities and individuals involved in the importation and quarantine of goods. Specifically, they require importers to accurately declare the gross weight of packages to ensure the correct fees are applied according to the amended regulation. This ensures compliance with the financial requirements of the Quarantine Act 1908-1924 and maintains the integrity of the quarantine process. Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations can result in civil or administrative penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, under the general powers of the Quarantine Act 1908-1924, non-compliance could lead to fines or other penalties as prescribed by law. The exact nature and extent of these penalties would be determined by the relevant authorities in accordance with the broader legislative framework. In summary, the regulations primarily focus on updating the fee structure for packages subject to quarantine, ensuring that importers adhere to the new financial obligations. Non-compliance with these updated regulations could potentially lead to penalties, although the specific consequences are not outlined in the provided excerpt. The overarching aim is to streamline the quarantine process while maintaining the health and safety standards set forth by the Act.