Dear Valued Clients,

We would like to provide an update regarding cargo currently affected by the disruption to the MSC HEIDI service.

Following civil unrest in Port Louis, Mauritius, and the subsequent government-imposed curfew, the vessel was removed from its scheduled route and diverted to Sri Lanka. This situation was outside the control of both Stockwells.

At this stage, cargo destined for Australia is expected to be discharged in Sri Lanka and transferred to the MSC LYSE for onward carriage or the next available service. 

Unfortunately, there has been no further update regarding the status of the cargo or the confirmed onward movement arrangements since the initial notification. We understand the impact this uncertainty may have on planning and supply chain operations and appreciate your patience during this time.

Stockwells is continuing to closely monitor the situation and maintain regular communication with the shipping line. We will provide further updates as soon as additional information becomes available.

Should you have any questions regarding your shipment, please contact your Stockwells representative.

Kind regards,

Stockwells Management

Stockwells would like to advise clients of the intention to change Landside & Ancillary Charges for all ports and stevedores, effective 1 January 2027.

Our team will continue to monitor these upcoming changes and will keep clients informed of any new information as it becomes available.

Important Update for Importers and Supply Chain Partners

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced proposed biosecurity reforms that may impact the movement of imported sea containers throughout Australia. The proposed changes are currently under consultation and, if implemented, are expected to commence from June 2027.

What is changing?

Under current arrangements, full container load (FCL) containers destined for unpacking at a rural location must undergo a Rural Tailgate Inspection before leaving the metropolitan port area.

DAFF has identified a gap in the current framework. For example, containers discharged in Melbourne and transported through rural areas to a metropolitan unpack location in Sydney are not currently subject to the same inspection requirements.

To address this, DAFF is proposing a new Rural Transit Inspection requirement.

Proposed Rural Transit Inspection

Under the proposal, containers moving between metropolitan locations but travelling through designated rural areas would require a five-sided external inspection before commencing their rural transit journey.

Unlike the existing Rural Tailgate Inspection, this proposed requirement would not include an internal tailgate inspection.

Potential Impacts for Industry

DAFF is also proposing changes to declaration requirements within the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), which may require identification of containers that will transit through rural areas.

Industry representatives, including Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), have raised concerns regarding responsibility for determining and declaring rural transit movements. In particular, there are concerns that customs brokers and accredited persons may not always have visibility of, or control over, transport arrangements at the time import declarations are lodged.

FTA continues to advocate for responsibility to sit with the party managing the physical transport movement, rather than parties who may have limited visibility of subsequent logistics arrangements.

Changes to Postcode Classifications

DAFF is also reviewing Australia's metropolitan and rural postcode classifications, with:

• 2,644 postcodes assessed nationally
• 207 postcodes proposed for reclassification
• A new interactive postcode classification map proposed as the authoritative reference tool

These postcode classification changes are currently proposed to take effect from March 2027.

What Should Importers Consider?

Businesses may wish to review:

• Visibility of interstate and landbridge container movements within their supply chain
• When transport routing decisions are made in relation to import declaration lodgement
• How routing changes are communicated between supply chain partners
• Potential compliance and operational impacts associated with the proposed reforms

Next Steps

DAFF is currently seeking feedback through its consultation process. Stockwells will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available.

If you have any questions about how these proposed changes may affect your shipments or supply chain operations, please contact your Stockwells representative.