We urge importers to be alert before and during the unpack of their shipping containers upon arrival at your premises. Of particular concern to look out for is evidence of container tampering, hitch hiking pests and damage to your cargo.
Tampering
Tampering may indicate theft, smuggling, contamination, or unauthorized access to the container. This severely breaks down the security and integrity of the supply chain. Below we have listed a handy check list of areas to check on the inside and outside of your shipping container to help you detect if it’s been tampered with:
- Outside / Undercarriage – Check for dents, holes, repairs and that no foreign objects are mounted on the container
- Doors (internal and external) – Are the locks and locking mechanisms secure and reliable? Any loose bolts? Are the hinges secure and reliable? Any signs of hidden compartments?.
- Bolt Seal – Does the bolt seal number match the number listed on the bill of lading? Its always best to take photos of the seal before you cut it.
- Right Side and Left Side (interior and exterior walls) – Are there unusual repairs to structural beams? Repairs to inside wall must also be visible on the outside. Any signs of hidden compartments or false walls?
- Front Wall - Interior blocks in top left and right corners should be visible (missing or false blocks are abnormal). Are vents visible? Any signs of hidden compartments or false walls?
- Ceiling / Roof – Are support beams and ventilation hols visible? No foreign objects are mounted on the container? Any signs of hidden compartments or false ceiling?
- Floor – Is the floor flat, clean, dry? Is it free from unusual smells and stains? Any unusual repairs to the floor evident? Any signs of hidden compartments or false floor?
Please click the below link to download a 7-Point container checklist for your containers.
7-Point container checklist
If you do detect anything unusual while unpacking your container, or are just unsure about something, please contact the office straight away on 08 9316 2422.
Hitch Hiker Pests
Australia’s biosecurity system works to prevent pests from entering and establishing here—hitchhiker pests have caused devastation in other countries, making early detection and reporting essential. In Australia, importers should be vigilant for a range of hitchhiking pests that pose serious biosecurity risks when unpacking shipping containers. These pests can arrive hidden in cargo, packaging, or on the container itself, and many are not native to Australia, making early detection and reporting critical to prevent invasive species that could devastate Australia’s agriculture, environment, and economy.
What to look out for when unpacking your cargo:
We of course have our own native insects and pests. However, finding any of the below in and around shipping containers, packaging or the cargo itself could indicate that there are hitch hiking pests.
- Live insects or snails crawling on or inside packaging
- Egg masses, webs, or cocoons on container walls or pallets
- Nests, such as those from ants or bees
- Plant material like seeds, twigs, or leaves
- Animal traces such as feathers, fur, skins or droppings
- Soil or mud on container floors or under pallets
- Small holes in timber, plastic or cardboard
What to do if you spot something suspicious
- Do not disturb or dispose of the pest.
- Take clear photos and note the container number and unpack location
- Close the container doors. Do not continue to unpack the container.
- Report immediately to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on 1800 798 636. Please also contact our office to inform us of the find on 08 9316 2422 or by emailing info@omegacargo.com.au
What are some of the hitch-hiking pests we are trying to keep out of Australia?
Damaged Cargo or Shipping Container
If your imported cargo arrives with any signs of damage, please notify us within 14 days of delivery so we can assess the issue and determine whether a customs duty refund may be applicable. Likewise, if there is evident damage to the shipping container that we have not informed you about prior to delivery out to our premises, please contact us straight away so we can determine where along the supply chain the damage occurred and who would be liable for any repairs.
