14 October 2026
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders and biosecurity industry participants (approved arrangement and compliance agreement holders), vessel masters and shipping agents.
Additional details
This Industry Advice Notice reminds stakeholders of the expected commencement of Phase 2 of the department's improvements to cost recovery for regulatory diagnostic activities.
In 2023, the department reviewed the diagnostic activities it undertakes, the review found that some diagnostic activities were not currently charged or were only partially charged. As described in Industry Advice Notice 93-2026: Changes to fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity the department is implementing a phased approach to improve cost recovery arrangements and support the sustainable delivery of regulatory diagnostic services:
- Phase 1 commenced on 1 July 2026 and introduced charges for diagnostic activities associated with international vessels
- Phase 2 subject to legislative approval, is proposed to commence on 1 November 2026 and will introduce a revised charging structure for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported goods.
What is changing?
Phase 2 introduces a revised charging structure for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported goods. Subject to legislative approval, most diagnostic activities will move from time-based charging to legislated fees based on the specific activity performed.
Under the proposed arrangements:
- Most diagnostic tests and examinations will have a legislated fee.
- Current prices will be published on the department's website, providing greater price certainty before services are delivered.
- Some tests will have tiered pricing, resulting in lower per-test rates when larger batches are assessed.
- Charges will depend on the type and number of diagnostic activities required.
- Invoices will itemise diagnostic activities and associated charges, improving transparency.
Some diagnostic activities will continue to be charged under the current time-based arrangements where the work is highly variable, complex or cannot be reasonably standardised. These activities will continue to be charged in 15-minute increments, plus the cost of any consumable materials required.
Benefits
The revised charging structure is expected to:
- improve alignment between charges and the services provided
- provide greater price certainty for importers
- improve transparency through activity-based charging and itemised invoices
- support more consistent charging for similar diagnostic activities
- improve the transparency and accuracy of billing
- ensure charges more accurately reflect the efficient cost of delivering regulatory diagnostic services.
These changes were originally planned for 2025, as outlined in Industry Advice Notice 305-2024: Improving cost recovery for diagnostic activities. Implementation was delayed as advised in Industry Advice Notice 202-2025: Changes to biosecurity and imported foods regulatory charges. The department continued to consult with stakeholders throughout 2025 and 2026 via its online consultation platform to inform the final design and implementation of the revised charging arrangements.
More information, including confirmed commencement dates and final prices, will be published on the department's website.
Further information, including confirmed commencement dates and final prices, will be published on the department's website.
Further information
Further information on proposed changes is available on our Biosecurity cost recovery implementation statements webpage.
Enquiries can be directed to the BioCRIS@aff.gov.au.