Changes to regulatory charges for biosecurity and imported food activities

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has initiated an annual review and indexation cycle to regulatory fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities.

These changes commence on 1 July 2024.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) sees merit in this initiative and the resultant stabilisation of the DAFF cost recovery model.
Whilst any cost increase is never ideal, it is important to acknowledge that the absence of a review for the past 8 years has contributed to DAFF facing significant financial strain just 12 months ago, resulting in a hiring freeze. This situation has presented challenges to resourcing levels at DAFF, consequently impacting service delivery standards.

The complete table of Indexed fees and charges can be found here:

Fees and charges for biosecurity regulatory activity from 1 July 2024
Fees and charges for imported food regulatory activity from 1 July 2024
  
Some of the fees increasing from 1 July 2024 most relevant to members include:

Full Import Declaration (FID)  - Air - increasing from $43.00 to $45.00 per FID
Full Import Declaration (FID) - Sea -  increasing from $63.00 to $66.00 per FID

Fee for service – inspection (including virtual inspections), examination, document assessment, analysis, diagnostic activity, clearance of cargo, treatment, audit, supervision, training

In office fee during ordinary hours  (per 15 mins)  increasing from $37.00 to $39.00
Out office fee during ordinary hours (per 15 mins) increasing from $62.00 to $65.00

DAFF invites industry feedback via the Have Your Say platform (closes 7 May 2024)