DIBP-ABF (Australian Border Force) have warned Australian importers, exporters and agents about an alarming rise in the number of counterfeit containers turning up at our ports and warehouses. A counterfeit shipping container (also known as a fake, cloned or re-birthed container) is a container that has had its unique identifier erased from its exterior and replaced with that of another legitimate container’s unique identifier.
The counterfeit container can then be used as a substitute for the copied container and may be used to facilitate a range of border related offences.
Below is a list of indicators to look out for and report to your Customs broker:
ï‚· Repainted display numbers
ï‚· Alterations to corner castings
ï‚· Display numbers do not match plate or casting number
ï‚· Evidence of grinding of the corner casting
ï‚· Original numbers partially hidden or showing through
ï‚· Container Safety Plate or Manufacturers Plate damaged altered or replaced
ï‚· Any evidence of an attempt to replace serial numbers
ï‚· Incorrect placement of container number
We ask that if any of our clients have reason to suspect that a full or empty container delivered to them may be a fake, contact us without delay so we can report to Border Watch and find the appropriate solution.
