An exporter in Fiji says a new biosecurity system in Australia, aimed at speeding up container clearance times, is well overdue.
Michael Towler from Performance Flotation Developments in Fiji Photo: RNZ / Alex Perrottet
The new Sea Container Hygiene System will allow for containers to be cleaned in Fiji before leaving, meaning they won't have to be cleaned at Australian ports.
Last week, Fijian exporters complained that for many years, the excuse for long delays in Australia was a concern over the Giant African Snail, which Fiji does not have.
A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources said it's not a problem with the snail, but an issue over soil contamination.
An exporter in Fiji, Michael Towler, said container hygiene is very different from biosecurity risks such as pests and Fiji should be treated fairly.
"The story has changed dramatically, they were simply saying to us we acknowledge that Fiji doesn't have a Giant African Snail problem, it's a container hygiene issue. And I kept saying, well treat it as one, instead of a biological problem," he said.