Approved arrangement operators, customs brokers and importers are reminded they must provide reasonable assistance during biosecurity inspections of imported goods.
Reasonable assistance includes ensuring goods are ready for inspection and that appropriate resources are available to support inspection activities, including unpacking, presenting and repacking goods where required.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is clarifying expectations under section 552 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 to support nationally consistent inspection practices and reinforce the shared responsibilities of industry and the department.
What industry needs to know
Biosecurity officers may direct the person in charge of goods, or their representative, to provide reasonable assistance when officers are undertaking functions in relation to goods under biosecurity control.
The person in charge of the goods, or their representative, is responsible for ensuring sufficient staff, equipment and safe handling arrangements are available so inspections can be completed efficiently and safely.
Reasonable assistance may include moving, lifting, opening, unpacking, repacking and securing goods, cartons, bags or containers as directed to support the inspection process.
Why this matters
Clearer expectations will help industry better prepare for inspections, reduce uncertainty and support smoother interactions with biosecurity officers across inspection locations and commodity pathways.
Where goods are appropriately prepared and sufficient assistance is available, inspections may be completed more efficiently, which may reduce inspection times and associated departmental charges.
How to prepare
Approved arrangement operators, customs brokers and importers should review onsite processes, confirm resourcing requirements, prepare suitable equipment and safe handling arrangements, and communicate expectations to staff, representatives and third parties involved in inspections.
If sufficient resources are not available to facilitate the inspection, biosecurity officers may cancel the inspection. This may result in cancellation fees and the need to request a new inspection.
