14 April 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is for all participants involved in importing goods into Australia and their onshore management.
What is driving this requirement?
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are causing significant disruptions to global shipping routes and supply chains. Consequently, the prompt clearance of essential goods entering Australia is of heightened importance. The department is committed to supporting Australian agriculture and industry and keeping Australia moving.
How can industry assist?
To support our co-ordinated input and to assist with the priority clearance of essential goods the department is issuing this notice to remind all Industry Participants and Approved Arrangement (AA) sites of their existing responsibilities and obligations to ensure goods subject to biosecurity control are managed, assessed, treated and cleared in accordance with legislative requirements and approved arrangement conditions.
Industry participants should ensure that documents and other information are lodged completely and accurately and in line with the department's minimum documentary requirements and import conditions.
Industry participants are expected to maintain appropriate resourcing, prioritise time critical consignments where required, and ensure compliance with all approved arrangement conditions to support timely clearance and minimise supply chain impacts.
Biosecurity Industry Participants being prepared for inspections
To support efficient inspection processes and prevent unnecessary delays, industry must ensure goods are fully prepared and ready for inspection before departmental officers arrive.
This includes:
- When submitting a request for inspection importers can maximise inspection availability by selecting the 'Next Available' option. By selecting AM or PM only importers are agreeing to restrict inspection availability to these times only. This will limit inspection slots available which may result in inspection delays.
- Ensuring goods are located within the designated Biosecurity Area.
- Confirming that pallets are not stacked more than two high.
- Presenting goods so that two sides of each pallet are accessible to inspecting officers.
- Ensuring all required documentation, including inspection directions, is available and readily accessible.
- Ensuring a BIP representative is present and able to open packages, move items, and assist officers as required.
Being fully prepared at the time of the booked inspection enables the department to conduct inspections efficiently and supports the continued movement of essential goods through the supply chain.
Given these pressures, industry readiness at booked inspection times is essential. Your cooperation supports the department to operate efficiently and effectively, ensuring goods are cleared promptly and can reach the sectors that depend on them.
Acknowledgement
The department thanks industry for its continued cooperation and support during these uncertain and rapidly changing global conditions. Your ongoing commitment to preparedness and compliance is essential to ensuring critical goods move efficiently through the supply chain.
Further information
Importers and Exporters are encouraged to check our website regularly or subscribe to our mailing list for up to date information or contact the department on 1800 900 090.