In a step toward enhancing trade efficiency and maintaining strong biosecurity systems and processes, the Australian Government, through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), completed the audit of the sea container depot in Honiara to ensure compliance with the approved Code of Practice and DAFF’s SCHS Assessment and Management Policy.
The audit was conducted in collaboration with Swire Shipping and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) to assess processes to ensure sea containers are cleaned and cleared through the system and do not pose any biosecurity risk, such as soil, plant material, insects and other hitchhiker pests. The SCHS depot in the Solomon Islands is managed by Swire Shipping and operated by SIPA.
The movement of clean sea containers plays a critical role in promoting and facilitating safe trade. It reduces the risk of introducing harmful pests and diseases, supports faster clearance at the border, and improves overall trade efficiencies by reducing delays associated with inspections and treatments.
For the Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI), the audit provided a valuable opportunity for capacity building. Staff from BSI participated in the audit process and gained hands-on experience and training in the audit methodology, risk assessment, and mitigation. This practical experience will help to strengthen local systems and support ongoing efforts to improve Solomon Islands’ export readiness and compliance with trading partner requirements.
“We welcome Australia’s continued support to strengthen our biosecurity system,” said Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands. “This audit not only helps us to comply with the requirements of SCHS but also builds the capacity of our staff to understand our role in supporting these types of industry-led initiatives to facilitate and support trade. This supports our farmers and exporters and that’s good for the Solomon Islands.”
Swire Shipping’s Country Manager – Solomon Islands, Francis Peter, said, “Since 2015, Swire Shipping has overseen the SCHS programme in collaboration with Solomon Port Authority, ensuring that the programme operates in full compliance with Biosecurity regulations in Australia and New Zealand. The efficient operation of the system enables the timely release and turnover of containers to clients, promoting business continuity, minimising delays and reducing costs associated with storage, cleaning, and handling.”
According to Caryn Scott, Director of Hitchhiker and NFP Cargo Policy from the Department of Agriculture, “Australia is committed to supporting its Pacific neighbours to strengthen biosecurity systems that protect agricultural industries and natural environments. Ensuring sea container cleanliness is a shared responsibility that underpins safe and efficient trade.”
This activity aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance biosecurity cooperation and promote economic resilience through safe trade. It reflects the strong partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands and a shared commitment to upholding high biosecurity standards.
Source: MAL Media
