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Biosecurity
Hitchhiker Pests - emerging and current
Hitchhiker pests are non-native species that can "hitch a ride" on shipping containers, cargo, and other forms of transportation, posing significant biosecurity risks. Some examples of hitchhiker pests include:
Biosecurity compliance and controls apply
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys): Known for damaging crops and being a nuisance in homes.
- Yellow Spot Stink Bug (YSSB) (Erthesina fullo) causes discolouration, blemishes, and withering of fruits, reducing their marketability. Severe infestations can lead to fruit drop, defoliation, and significant yield loss
- Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium): A highly destructive pest of stored grains and seeds.
- Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula): A threat to agriculture, particularly vineyards and orchards.
- Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica): A pest that damages crops and carries diseases harmful to humans.
- Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta): Aggressive ants that can harm ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.
Australia has strict biosecurity measures in place to prevent the entry of these pests, as they could severely impact the environment, economy, and agriculture.
Imported Foods and products for human consumption
To find out about compliance requirements for importing food into Australia, follow these steps:
- Check Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON): Use the BICON system to determine if the food you want to import is permitted and whether it requires specific treatments or import permits.
- Understand Food Standards: Ensure the food complies with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including labelling, ingredient restrictions, and safety requirements.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, such as:
- Full Import Declaration
- Foreign government certificates (if required)
- Food safety management certificates
- Product specifications and sample labels
- Inspection and Testing: Be aware that food imports may be subject to inspection and testing under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. This includes microbiological testing and contaminant checks.
- Consult DAFF Resources: Visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) website for detailed guidance on importing food, including specific requirements by food type.
- Engage Professionals: Work with customs brokers or import consultants to ensure compliance with all regulations and avoid delays.
Contact us to find out more
Documentation and release from quarantine
Refer to Templates and Forms Page
To meet the Minimum Documentary and Import Declaration Requirements Policy set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), it is essential to provide all required documents for biosecurity compliance. These include:
Mandatory Documents
- Commercial Invoice: Outlines the value, details, and transaction of the goods being imported.
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Acts as proof of ownership and shipment, provided by the shipping line.
- Packing Declaration: Verifies that packing materials are clean and comply with biosecurity standards.
- Manufacturer’s Declaration: Certifies the origin and treatment of goods, ensuring compliance with biosecurity regulations.
- Treatment Certificates: Confirms any required treatments (e.g., fumigation, heat treatment) have been conducted by DAFF-approved providers.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Certifies that plant-based goods are free from pests and diseases.
- Import Permit: Required for regulated or restricted goods, as determined by the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system.
- Annual Packing Declaration: Applicable for recurring shipments, confirming compliance with biosecurity standards.
- Customs Declaration: Declares the goods for entry into Australia, fulfilling all customs requirements.
- Non-Commodity Documentation: Includes container cleanliness certificates, unpack destination information, and other related details.
Using Templates for Compliance
DAFF provides helpful templates to ensure that documents such as the Manufacturer’s Declaration and Packing Declaration meet their specific format and content standards. These templates help reduce errors, streamline the process, and ensure compliance with DAFF policies.
For access to these templates, visit the DAFF Templates and Forms page. Properly completed documents ensure smoother customs and biosecurity inspections, reducing the risk of delays.
Let us know if you need further details or assistance with the documentation process!
New and Used machinery and Bulk cargoes
Requirements for New Machinery
- Biosecurity Compliance: New machinery must meet Australia's strict biosecurity standards, ensuring it is free from contaminants, pests, or diseases.
- Documentation: Importers must provide accurate and complete documentation, including invoices, packing declarations, and treatment certificates if required.
- Inspection Readiness: While inspections are reduced under the HCI scheme, eligible goods may still be subject to random checks or additional scrutiny if biosecurity concerns arise.
Used Machinery
Importing used machinery into Australia under a biosecurity pathway requires strict adherence to cleanliness and documentation standards to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, or contaminants. Here's what's required:
Key Requirements for Used Machinery
- Thorough Cleaning:
- All machinery must be cleaned to remove soil, plant material, seeds, and other biosecurity risk materials.
- Cleaning should focus on common contamination areas, such as tracks, wheels, engine compartments, and undercarriages.
- Offshore cleaning is recommended to avoid delays upon arrival.
- Inspection:
- Machinery must be inspected by an approved biosecurity officer or a third-party inspector to ensure it meets Australia's cleanliness standards.
- Inspection reports may be required as part of the documentation.
- Documentation:
- Commercial Invoice: Details of the machinery and transaction.
- Packing Declaration: Confirms compliance with biosecurity standards for packaging.
- Treatment Certificates: Certifies any treatments, such as fumigation or steam cleaning, conducted offshore.
- Inspection Report: Verifies that the machinery has been cleaned and inspected prior to shipment.
- Import Permit: Required for certain types of machinery, as specified in the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system.
- Compliance with BICON:
- Check the BICON system for specific import conditions related to the type of machinery being imported.
- Ensure all requirements, including treatments and permits, are fulfilled before shipping.
- Arrival Procedures:
- Upon arrival, machinery may be subject to further inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
- Non-compliant machinery may be refused entry, treated, or re-exported at the importer’s expense.
For detailed cleaning guides and checklists, you can refer to the Machinery Cleaning Guides and Checklists provided by DAFF. Let me know if you'd like further assistance with any specific aspect of the process!
Key Biosecurity Requirements for Break Bulk Cargo
- Notification Prior to Arrival:
- Importers must notify the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) at least 24 hours before the vessel's arrival. This includes providing details such as the vessel name, voyage number, port of discharge, and cargo description.
- Inspection:
- Break bulk cargo is subject to external inspection by biosecurity officers to ensure it is free from contaminants like soil, plant material, or pests.
- Specific cargo, such as new motor vehicles or machinery, may require additional checks.
- Treatment of Contaminated Cargo:
- If contamination is detected, the cargo must be treated (e.g., fumigation or cleaning) before it can be released.
- Dunnage Management:
- Any dunnage (wooden packaging or bracing materials) accompanying the cargo must comply with biosecurity standards and may require treatment or inspection.
- High-Risk Pathways:
- Cargo from high-risk countries or during pest seasons (e.g., Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season) may face additional biosecurity measures.
For more detailed information, you can explore DAFF's break bulk biosecurity requirements or their arrival procedures.
Quarantine Permit and application
We can assist with the import permit application process by guiding you through the necessary steps to ensure compliance and efficiency. Here’s how we can help:
How We Can Assist
- Determine Requirements:
- Help identify whether your goods require an import permit by navigating the BICON system.
- Provide advice on specific import conditions relevant to your goods.
- Documentation Preparation:
- Assist in gathering and preparing the required documentation, including:
- Commercial invoices
- Treatment certificates
- Inspection reports
- Packing declarations
- Ensure all documents meet the standards outlined in the Minimum Documentary and Import Declaration Requirements Policy.
- Assist in gathering and preparing the required documentation, including:
- Submit the Application:
- Guide you through the process of creating a BICON account and submitting the import permit application.
- Offer support in completing the application form and attaching necessary documents.
- Compliance Checks:
- Review your documents for accuracy and completeness to reduce the risk of delays or rejections.
- Ensure your goods meet biosecurity requirements through proper cleaning and treatment (if applicable).
- Ongoing Support:
- Provide updates on your permit application status.
- Help address any conditions or requests for additional information from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
By providing expert support and streamlined guidance, we can make the process of applying for an import permit hassle-free, ensuring you meet all biosecurity and compliance standards.
Exporting Goods
Australia employs several biosecurity tools and systems to support exporters in meeting the requirements of importing countries. These tools ensure compliance with biosecurity standards and facilitate smooth trade. Here are some key tools:
1. Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor)
Micor is a critical resource for exporters, providing detailed information on the biosecurity and import requirements of Australia's trading partners. It covers a wide range of commodities, including:
- Meat and animal products
- Dairy products
- Plants and plant products
- Live animals
- Fish and seafood
Exporters can access Micor to understand the specific conditions they must meet, such as certifications, treatments, and documentation. You can learn more about Micor here.
2. Export Documentation and Certification
Exporters must provide accurate documentation, including:
- Phytosanitary certificates for plant products
- Health certificates for animal products
- Export permits and declarations
These documents certify that the goods meet the biosecurity standards of the importing country.
3. Approved Arrangements
Exporters can work under Approved Arrangements (AAs), which allow them to manage certain biosecurity activities, such as inspections and treatments, at their premises under DAFF oversight.
4. Fumigation and Treatment Protocols
Biosecurity treatments, such as methyl bromide fumigation, are used to mitigate risks associated with pests and contaminants. Exporters must follow the latest treatment methodologies and standards, which are updated periodically.
5. Plant Export Operations Manual (PEOM)
This manual provides operational guidance for exporters of plants and plant products, including inspection procedures, treatment requirements, and certification processes.
6. Exporter Registration and Training
Exporters must register with DAFF and may need to complete training to ensure they understand biosecurity requirements and processes.
These tools and systems work together to maintain Australia's strong biosecurity standards while supporting exporters in accessing international markets.