Importing

Determine whether your import requires an import permit and save time obtaining your permit by reviewing specific import requirements for common items.

Step One: Read the general requirements

Animals and animal products

An import permit is not required for commercially-produced packets of processed food products with ingredients of animal origin, labelled as having been produced in Australia or New Zealand.

  • Tinned foods
  • Seafood
  • Pet food (canned meat or biscuits)
  • Biscuits, cakes, pastry, noodles (cooked, with egg or honey ingredients)
  • Processed dairy products (butter, cheese, cream, ice-cream, infant food, pasteurized/UHT milk)
  • Egg (cooked – non fertile in hermetically sealed containers)
  • Health Foods containing bee products, including bee venom, pollen, propolis, royal jelly (must be processed and prepared as encapsulated doses such as tablets or capsules).
  • Processed beeswax (candles, cosmetics, foundation, ornaments, polishes)
  • Feathers (new dusters, hats, lures, bleached, curled or waved)
  • Furs (manufactured)
  • Leather (new and fully manufactured)
  • Saddles and saddle harnesses (new)
  • Wool (processed)
     

An import permit is required for all animals and animal products, including those listed above, from all other countries.

General requirements for all animal and animal product imports:

1. Permission to Import

Applications for a permit to import an animal or animal product are to be submitted on the official form well before the planned export of the animal or animal product.  Where a single entry permit is issued, the original copy of the import permit must be presented at the time of importation to obtain release of the consignment. Should the disease status of an exporting country change after an import permit has been issued Biosecurity Solomon Islands reserves the right to withdraw the permit or to vary the permit conditions at their discretion without prior notice.

Application Forms

2. Notification

The arrival date and mode of transportation are to be included in the permit application. In the case of live animals their arrival to be notified to Biosecurity Solomon Islands at least 48 hours prior to arrival, and no later than one working weekday before embarkation of the animals.

3. Transportation of Animals

Animals must be transported in a secure suitable container in accordance with the recommendations for the transport of live animals of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals regulations as appropriate.

All feed or fodder accompanying the animals must comply with the import conditions of Solomon Islands for plant or animal products, if not then any surplus will remain on board the vessel or aircraft, or be destroyed at the owner’s expense upon arrival at the Port of Entry.

Any bedding should comprise only of sterile peat, soft board, treated wood shavings, shredded paper or other inert approved products.  All bedding material should remain on board the vessel or aircraft, or be destroyed by incineration at the owner’s expense upon arrival in Solomon Islands.

Animals are transported entirely at the risk of the importer and Biosecurity Solomon Islands holds no responsibility for the care or safety of animals during transport.

4. Documentation

The following documentation is required to accompany imports of animals and high risk animal products:

  1. A valid Import Permit is required: 
    1. For single importations of animals and animal products the Permit is to be presented at the time of importation. 
    2. For multiple importations under one Permit then a copy of the Permit may be presented at the time of importation.
  2. A Statutory Declaration by the owner or agent is required to accompany live animal imports, stating:
    1. A full description of the animal;
    2. That to the best of his/her knowledge the animal is free from all infectious and contagious diseases;
    3. That the animal has not been in contact with any diseased animals for the 30 days immediately prior to embarkation.
  3. An official Animal Health Certificate is required to accompany all imports of live animals and animal products.

The certificate must be signed by a Government Veterinary Officer of the exporting country attesting to the certification assurances required in the specific schedules for animals or animal products.

In some cases an Approved Veterinarian, approved by the veterinary authorities in the exporting country, may provide certification of pre-export treatments and health examinations.

5.    Post Arrival Procedures

On arrival in Solomon Islands all consignments of animals and animal products must be presented to a Biosecurity Officer for validation of any required documentation. In particular all live animals (except dogs and cats from Australia or New Zealand) must be inspected by veterinary officer approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock prior to release from the port of entry. All costs are to be borne by the importer.

Biosecurity Solomon Islands has the right to inspect, examine, sample, test, detain, quarantine and treat any consignments of animals to ensure they comply with Solomon Islands import requirements. Any non-compliant consignments of animals may be destroyed or re-exported. All costs associated with these actions are to be borne by the importer. Biosecurity Solomon Islands holds no responsibility for any losses incurred by the importer, owner or agent.

6. Post Entry Quarantine Requirements

Where animals are required to undergo a period of post entry quarantine, they must remain within the confines of an approved post entry quarantine facility for the full period of quarantine and will only be released at the discretion of by a veterinary officer approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The post-entry facility must meet the following general requirements:

(i) The facilities must be inspected and approved by an officer authorised by the Director of Biosecurity before a permit for importation is issued, and:

  • Be sufficiently secure to contain the quarantined animals.
  • Contain adequate handling facilities for animals
  • Maintain adequate separation from other animals.
  • Have adequate containment of drainage and animal waste.
  • Have adequate provision for feed and water.

7.    Fees

A permit fee and an inspection fee will be charged in accordance with the current schedule of BSI fees and charges for Biosecurity Solomon Islands. Any and all costs or fees associated with ensuring consignments comply with import requirements are to be borne directly by the importer. Biosecurity Solomon Islands holds no responsibility for any losses incurred by the importer, owner or agent. 

Plants and plant products

An import permit and accompanying phytosanitary certificate is not required for certain commercially packaged and labelled plant products from any country.

  • Cooked fruit and vegetables
  • Pickled fruit and vegetables
  • Cooked plant products
  • Preserved fruit and vegetables
  • Fried plant products
  • Processed nuts (in their final processed form, i.e. shelled or hulled)
  • Freeze dried plant products
  • Spices
  • Frozen fruit and vegetables
     

An import permit is not required for vegetable seeds for sowing (except maize, sweetcorn) in consignments of less than 250gm from certain suppliers in certain countries so long as certain requirements have been met.

View the list of Approved vegetable seed suppliers.
 

An import permit is not required for certain timber products from all countries so long as certain requirements have been met.

  • Wood charcoal (including shell or nut charcoal)
  • Wood wool; wood flour.
  • Sheets for veneering less than 6mm thick
  • Wood (including strips and friezes for parquet flooring, etc.
  • Particle board, oriented strand board (OSB) and similar board
  • Fibreboard of wood.
  • Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood.
  • Densified wood, in blocks, plates, strips or profile shapes.
  • Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects.
  • Packing cases, pallets, boxes, crates, drums and similar packing with ISPM 15 certification.
  • Casks, barrels, vats, tubs assembled and full.
  • Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, of wood
  • Tableware and kitchenware, of wood.
  • Wood marquetry and inlaid wood; caskets and cases etc.

Requirements:

  • Inspection on arrival, treat if required
  • Must be free of pests, soil and foreign matter
     

An import permit is not required for certain miscellaneous products from all countries so long as certain requirements have been met.

  • Artifacts
  • Basketware
  • Caneware

Requirements for small hand-carried consignments:

  • Must be clean, free of pests, soil and foreign matter
  • Inspection on arrival with treatment if required

Requirements for commercial consignments:

  • Pre-shipment fumigation with MB at 48g/m3 for 16 hours at 21oC.
  • Phytosanitary certificate confirming fumigation
  • Inspection on arrival to confirm effective fumigation.
     

An import permit is required for all plant and plant products not referenced above.

General requirements apply to all plant and plant product imports:

1. Permission to import

An Import Permit is required. Applications are to be submitted on the official form. The original copy of the permit must be presented to obtain release of the consignment.

Application Forms

2. Documentation

A Phytosanitary Certificate (PC), issued by the National Plant Protection Authority in the country of origin, must accompany all consignments, certifying the produce to be free of pests and diseases. The certificate must also include any additional declarations specified on the Import Permit.

Where a consignment has been transhipped to the Solomon Islands via another country, a “Re-export Certificate” shall accompany that consignment. The re-export certificate shall be issued by the National Plant Protection Authority at the port of re-export and clearly identify the consignment (i.e. exporter, consignee, description of product, number of packages, distinguishing marks, place of origin, means of conveyance, point of entry into country). The certificate shall certify that the consignment in question has been transported and handled in such a manner as to prevent the possibility of pest infestation and product substitution during transit.

3. Pre-shipping procedures

  • Shipments must be free of soil and/or debris and be packed in new packages.
  • Leafy vegetables must be free of roots, and non-leafy vegetables must be free of foliage.
  • Consignments are subject to inspection on arrival and any treatment necessary.

 

Machinery, Equipment & Transport

Included here are:

  • Earthmoving machinery
  • Logging equipment
  • Mining equipment
  • Agriculture equipment
  • Used or second hand vehicles
  • New vehicles
  • Sporting equipment
  • Camping equipment
  • Military equipment

Any of the above will be inspected on arrival and must be found free of soil, any plant material and any other biosecurity risk material. You are recommended to clean your equipment before they depart from the exporting country. Government or accredited agent certificates of cleanliness are welcome and may reduce the requirement for inspection on arrival.

 

Step Two: Find any specific requirements

Many animals, plants, and animal or plant products have specific import requirements additional to the general requirements listed above. Use the search filter here to find any specific requirements for your import.* Also review the definitions of plant and animal technical terms.

BSI Editor
/ Categories: Import Schedules

A2 - Cattle from Australia

Schedule No A2          Attachment No ______                     for Permit No ______

 

 

SPECIFIC IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR:

 

Commodity:                       Cattle

 

Country of Origin:           Australia

 

1. Documentation Required:

(A) Health Certificate

HEALTH CERTIFICATION FOR CATTLE IMPORTED INTO SOLOMON ISLANDS FROM AUSTRALIA

Import permit number:

Exporting Country: AUSTRALIA

Competent Authority:

1: IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS

Ear tag Number

Brand or other Identification

Sex

Date of birth

Breed

 

 

 

 

 

2: ORIGIN OF ANIMALS

Name and address of exporter: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Name and address of owner: ………………………………………………………………….……………………………….

Port or airport of departure: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Means of transport: ………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

3: DESTINATION OF ANIMALS

Name and address of consignee: …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Port or airport of arrival: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4: SANITARY INFORMATION

VETERINARY CERTIFICATE

I, ………………………………………………………………(Print name) an Official Veterinarian authorised by the Australian Government certify, after due enquiry, in regard to the animals listed above, that:

1. Country freedom

 

1.1              Australia is free from bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus), bovine spongiform encephalopathy, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, rinderpest, rabies and vesicular stomatitis.

 

1.2              Australia is officially free from bovine tuberculosis.

2. Animals for export

2.1.            The animals and the properties from which they originated were free from any quarantine restrictions immediately prior to export.

2.2.            The Australian properties on which the animals have been resident were free from all evidence of Echinococcus granulosus infections during the 5 years immediately prior to the date of export.

2.3.             The animals were all born and raised in Australia.

2.4.             No female animal in the consignment is more than 7 months pregnant.

2.5.             No animal in the consignment is under 3 months of age.

2.6.             The animals are visibly clean, free from mud, dirt and organic material, particularly plant material.

2.7.             Within 48 hours of entering Pre-Export Isolation (PEI) the animals were examined by an official veterinarian and were found to be free from any signs of infectious disease. All animals remained healthy while in PEI.

2.8.             Within 48 hours prior to export each animal was examined by an official veterinarian and was found to be free from any signs of infectious disease and ectoparasites and was considered fit to travel.

3 Pre-export isolation (PEI) premises

3.1.   The animals were held for at least 30 days immediately prior to export in an approved PEI premises. The PEI premises were approved by AQIS and supervised by an AQIS approved veterinarian.

3.2.   The premises is located either:

3.2.1   in a bluetongue virus-free (or seasonally free) zone

3.2.2   in a bluetongue infected zone and the premises is insect proof and maintained free of insects. (Delete as appropriate)

3.3.   Bedding consisted of inert material free of evidence of contamination with ticks. Bedding was changed on day 10 of PEI and the premises cleaned and sprayed with an insecticide/acaricide.

Bedding consisted of:

Date(s) of removing bedding and cleaning premises:

Name of acaricide:

3.4.   While in PEI the animals were provided with food that had no evidence of contamination with ticks.

3.5.   During the last 3 days in PEI the animals were provided with food that had no evidence of contamination with weeds/weed seeds.

4. Tests and treatments

4.1.   For bluetongue (BT) virus and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus, One of the following is required:

4.1.1 When importing from BT and EHD virus free zones (as defined by the OIE Terrestrial Code). One of the following is required:

4.1.1.1 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD virus free zone since birth or for at least the 60 days prior to export. Or

4.1.1.2 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD virus free zone for at least 28 days, then were subjected, with negative results, to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) test and remained in the BT and EHD virus free zone until export

4.1.1.3 The animals were kept in a BT and EHD free zone for at least 7 days, then were subjected, with negative results, to tests for the viruses of BT and EHD using either a virus isolation test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a blood sample, and remained in the BT and EHD virus free zone until export.

(Delete options not used)

Test used:

Date of sampling:

Or 4.1.2 When importing from BT and EHD virus seasonally free zones (as defined by the Terrestrial Code). One of the following is required:

4.1.2.1 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least the 60 days prior to export. Or

4.1.2.2 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least the 28 days prior to export and were subjected during that period to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or the AGID test with negative results on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 21 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises. Or

4.1.2.3 The animals were kept during the seasonally free period in a BT and EHD virus seasonally free zone for at least14 days prior to export and were subjected during that period to tests for the viruses of BT and EHD, such as a virus isolation test or a PCR test, with negative results, on blood samples taken on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 7 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises.

(Delete options not used)

Test used: ………………………………………………………………………………………

Date of sampling: …………………………

Or 4.1.3 When importing from BT and EHD virus infected zones (as defined by the Terrestrial Code). One of the following is required:

4.1.3.1 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least the 60 days prior to export. Or

4.1.3.2 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least 28 days prior to export and were subjected during that period to serological tests to detect antibodies to the viruses of BT and EHD, such as the competition ELISA or AGID test, with negative results on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test being carried out at least 21 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises. Or

4.1.3.3 The animals were protected from Culicoides attack for at least 14 days prior to export, and were subjected during that period to virus isolation test or PCR tests, for the viruses of BT and EHD with negative results, on blood samples taken on two occasions, with an interval of not less than 7 days between each test. The first test was carried out at least 7 days after introduction into pre-export isolation premises.

(Delete options not used)

Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………

Date of sampling: ……………………………..

4.2.   For Q fever: Within 14 days of export animals were tested with a negative result for Q fever using an ELISA.

Date sample collected: …………………………………….

4.3.   For Salmonella spp: During PEI faecal samples were collected per rectum on two occasions at an interval of 10 to14 days and were cultured for Salmonella spp using enrichment broths and selective media and No Salmonella spp were isolated.

4.4.   For Mycoplasma bovis: Within 14 days of export the animals were tested with negative results for Mycoplasma bovis using an ELISA.

Date sample collected:

4.5.   For treatment of ectoparasites:

4.5.1 Seven to 10 days prior to entering PEI each animal was treated with a pour-on insecticide/acaricide effective against ticks and other ectoparasites.

Name of insecticide/acaricide: ……………………………………………………………….

Active ingredients: …………………………………………………………………………………

Dose rate: ………………………………………………..

Date of treatment: …………………………………..

4.5.2 During the 48 hours immediately prior to entering PEI an insecticide/acaricide solution effective against ticks and other ectoparasites was applied to each animal by thoroughly wetting the entire animal including under the tail, ears, the axillary region, between the hind legs and the interdigital spaces (eg using a back pack spray unit).

Name of insecticide/acaricide: ………………………………………………………………………………

Active ingredients: …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dose rate: ………………………………………………….

Date(s) of inspection: ………………………………….

4.5.3 Ten days after entering PEI each animal was meticulously inspected and found to be free of evidence of ticks and other ectoparasites. (If still infested the treatment was repeated and the animal was inspected again 10 days later. Treatments were repeated until the animals were found to be free from evidence of ticks and other ectoparasites).

Name of insecticide/acaricide: ………………………………………………………………………………

Active ingredients: …………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dose rate: ………………………………………………….

Date(s) of inspection: ………………………………….

4.5.4 Within 3 days of export all animals were treated with an ectoparasiticide effective against ticks and other ectoparasites.

4.6.   For treatment of endoparasites:

4.6.1 Seven to 10 days prior to entering PEI the animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s) effective against endoparasites.

Name of anthelmintic(s): ………………………………………………………………..

Active ingredients: …………………………………………………………………………

Dose rate(s): ………………………………………………..

Date of treatment: ………………………………………..

4.6.2 Within 48 hours of entering PEI the animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s). The efficacy of the endoparasiticide(s) was checked by faecal examination and gave a zero parasite egg count for round worms and liver flukes.

Name of anthelmintic(s): ………………………………………………………………………………..

Active ingredients: ………………………………………………………………………………………….

Dose rate(s): ………………………………………………..

Date(s) of treatment: …………………………………..

Date(s) of sampling: …………………………………….

4.6.3 Within 3 days of export all animals were treated with an endoparasiticide(s) effective against endoparasites.

4.7.   For leptospirosis: The animals were treated during PEI using an intramuscular injection of either oxytetracycline at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg or another antibiotic at a dose rate and treatment frequency known to eliminate the carrier state:

Date of treatment: ………………………….

Dose rate: ……………………………………….

Antibiotic used: ………………………………...........................................

4.8.   For babesiosis and anaplasmosis use one of the following:

4.8.1 the animals were born and lived continuously in a babesiosis and anaplasmosis free area and were not tested. Or

4.8.2 the animals were born or have spent a period of time in a babesiosis and anaplasmosis prone area (Boophilus microplus infested area), and were subjected during PEI to the following tests, with negative results:

4.8.2.1 for anaplasmosis, the rapid card agglutination test; AND

4.8.2.2 for Babesia bovis the indirect fluorescent antibody test or the ELISA and for Babesia bigemina the indirect fluorescent antibody test or the competitive inhibition ELISA.

Tests used: ……………………………………………………………..…… (Delete test not used)

Dates samples collected: ……………………………

4.9.   Animals that have spent time in areas officially defined as tick infested were treated with products known to eliminate the carrier state of babesiosis and anaplasmosis within 72 hours prior to leaving PEI.

Products used: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dose rates: …………………………………………..

Date of treatment: ……………………………….

4.10.    Within 30 days prior to export the animals all tested negative for Johne’s disease with either an approved ELISA or AGID test.

Date samples collected: …………………………………..

4.11.    Within 30 days prior to export the animals all tested negative for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/Infectious Pustular vulvovaginitis with an approved ELISA test on two occasions not less than 21 days apart.

Dates samples collected: ……………………………….

4.12.    Within 30 days prior to export the animals all tested negative for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus with either an approved ELISA or RT-PCR test.

Date samples collected: ………………………………...

4.13.    For Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis (BVC), use one of the following:

4.13.1, All Animals come from a herd accredited free from BVC. Or

4.13.2, All animals are sexually immature non-mated animals. Or

4.13.3, All animals have tested negative from preputial or vaginal swabs utilising an OIE approved diagnostic test for BVC.

4.14.    For Trichomonosis (Trichomonas foetus), use one of the following:

4.14.1, All animals come from a herd that is accreditated free from Trichomonsis. Or

4.14.2, All animals are sexually immature non-mated animals. Or

4.14.3, Within 30 days of export all animals have tested negative from preputial or vaginal swabs utilising an OIE approved diagnostic test for Trichomonsis.

Date sampled: ………………………………

Test used: ……………………………………..

4.15.    Within 30 days prior to export the animals all tested negative for Ephemeral fever with an approved ELISA test.

Date sampled: ……………………………..

4.16.    Within 30 days prior to export the animals all tested negative for Enzootic Bovine Leucosis using an approved ELISA or AGID test.

Date sampled: ……………………………..

4.17.     All laboratory tests were conducted at a laboratory approved by the Australian Department of Agriculture to undertake testing for export purposes. (Laboratory result sheets are attached to this certificate).

5. Transport

5.1.        Animals quarantined in Culicoides infested areas were protected from Culicoides attack while in transit between the PEI premises and the port of departure.

5.2.        The vehicle in which the animals were transported to the port of departure was cleaned and disinfected prior to the loading of the animals.

5.3.        During transport to the port of departure the animals were kept isolated from animals that were not of equivalent health status.

5.4.        All stock food loaded for use during transport to the port of departure and during transit was free from evidence of contamination with ticks and weeds/weed seeds.

5.5.        The containers to be used for transporting the animals to Solomon Islands are either new or if previously used were cleaned and disinfected with a virucidal disinfectant. The containers meet the specifications of the IATA Live Animal Regulations or sea transport facilities meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 2.

5.6.        Only sterile peat, soft board, treated wood shavings, shredded paper or other inert approved products was loaded for use as bedding during transportation.

5.7.        No other animals are being transported in the aircraft or ship except animals officially certified by an official veterinarian for export to Solomon Islands.

5.8.        For animals being transported by air, the cargo space of the aircraft in which the animals are to be transported was sprayed with an AQIS approved insecticidal spray prior to departure.

Official stamp:

Name and signature of Official Veterinarian

Date:

Name and address of office:

NB Official stamp must be applied to all pages

 

Post-Entry Quarantine Requirements

 

(a)          Approval of Facilities

                see General rRequirements

 

(b)          Inspection

Following inspection on arrival by a Veterinary Officer, the animals are to be taken directly to the isolation facility in a clean and enclosed vehicle approved by the Veterinary Officer.

 

A second inspection will be carried out after the animals have been in isolation at the approved post entry quarantine area no less than four (4) weeks after entry. At the discretion of the DDLR&D the period of compulsory isolation and quarantine may be extended pending satisfactory examination of the imported animal/s.

 

Additional tests may be carried out, at the Importer’s expense, if deemed necessary by the official veterinarian

 

If, in the opinion of the CVO, it is necessary to destroy and /or dispose of any or all of the animals, this will be done in the manner designated and at the full cost to the importer.

 

(c)           Quarantine Restrictions

The imported animals will remain under quarantine restrictions until they have passed the second or subsequent inspections to the satisfaction of the CVO.

 

During the quarantine restriction/isolation period, the animal/s is/are not to be moved or mixed with any other livestock unless permission has been granted by a Government Veterinary Officer.

 

Following conditional release from quarantine, the animals will be permitted to join other herds, but will remain under surveillance by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

 

The owner is obliged to notify the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock if any imported animal once released becomes sick or dies, or is sold or slaughtered

 

 

 

 

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Commodity Group
  • Live animals
Country of Export
  • Australia

* These are sample documents that provide an indication of the requirements your import must meet. You will receive the latest documents from us when you make your application. If you cannot find requirements for your proposed import and wish to investigate development of new ones, please contact us.

 

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