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Department of Agriculture

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Import
  4. Arrival of goods in Australia
  5. Approved arrangements

Sidebar first - Import

  • Arrival of goods in Australia
    • Clearance and inspection
      • Abandoned goods notice
      • Air courier fees
      • Cargo compliance verification
      • Documentary requirements for imported goods
        • Lodgement of import documentation via email
        • Entity Identifier (AEI)
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      • Container and break bulk discharge
        • Notification form for container and break bulk arrival/s
      • Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS)
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      • Request for biosecurity inspection at non-Approved Arrangement site
      • Request for inspection form
      • Request for permission to dispose of goods/conveyance
    • Approved arrangements
      • Automatic Entry Processing (AEP)
      • Applying for an approved arrangement
      • Third party assessors
      • Changes and variation to an approved arrangement
      • Suspending or revoking an approved arrangement
      • Variations, changes, suspensions and revocations to class 19 approved arrangements
      • Fit and proper person test
      • Annual charge - Approved arrangements
      • Approved arrangements general policies
      • Approved arrangements glossary
      • Imported biologicals
        • Responsibilities of AA site where imported biologicals are used in vivo
        • Where to get a QAP/in-vivo application form
      • Conditions for operating approved arrangements
        • Compliance classifications for approved arrangements class 19
        • Approved arrangement class 19.2 commodities
        • Broad spectrum disinfectants and sanitisers for use in approved arrangements
      • Approved arrangement search tool
      • Training and accreditation for approved arrangements
    • Post entry quarantine
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Approved arrangements

Approved arrangements, previously Quarantine Approved Premises and Compliance Agreements, are voluntary arrangements entered into with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

These arrangements allow operators to manage biosecurity risks and/or perform the documentary assessment of goods in accordance with departmental requirements, using their own sites, facilities, equipment and people, and without constant supervision by the department and with occasional compliance monitoring or auditing.

See. Secure. Report.

The department has developed a video explaining how to manage pests and diseases that may be present in imported goods and containers at approved arrangement sites.

If you hold an approved arrangement or work on a site that holds an approved arrangement, make sure you know and comply with your conditions when handling imported goods and understand what to do when you identify a potential biosecurity risk.

Download

DocumentFormatResolutionFile size
See.Secure.Report Approved ArrangementsMP4HD 1080p454 MB
Transcript DOCX Word Icon1N/A29 KB

If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.

Approval and maintenance of an arrangement

To enter into an approved arrangement, and maintain your approved status, you will need to make an application and prove that you can meet requirements set by the department.

Application process

If you are interested in entering into an approved arrangement, you will need to make an application to the department.

As part of this application you must prove that you have met the requirements for the type of arrangement you are proposing, including the fit and proper person test.

Requirements for operating an approved arrangement

Requirements for approval of an arrangement, and the maintenance of approved status, are determined based on the class of approved arrangement.

The class type applied to your approved arrangement is a category based system that reflects the:

  • activities that take place at the site
  • any risks associated with those activities.

Training and accreditation

You may be required to meet training and accreditation requirements before your proposed arrangement is approved by the department. Accreditation must be kept up to date to maintain your approved status.

Managing compliance

The process for assessing and monitoring compliance in an approved arrangement, and handling of cases of noncompliance, is outlined in the Approved arrangement general policies.

Approved sites

If you need to make use of an existing approved arrangement site, the department maintains a list of sites that have an arrangement with the department.

Revocations, changes and variations to broker approved arrangements

If you need to revoke or change your current broker approved arr​angement, depending on the type of change, you may be required to complete an application.

Changes and variations to an approved arrangements

If you need to make a change to or vary your current approved arrangement, depending on the type of change, you will be required to complete an application.

Suspending or revoking an approved arrangements

If you have an existing approved arrangement, you must notify the department if you are planning to suspend all operations, some operations or if you wish to revoke your arrangement.

Third party assessors

Containment approved arrangement sites (class 5, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4) must meet the design and construction aspects of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 (Laboratory Design and Construction) and AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 (Safety in Laboratories Standards.

Compliance with these standards is assessed by a departmental approved third party assessor.

Fees

There are fees and levies payable for approved arrangement activities, including:

  • making an application for approval of a proposed arrangement
  • maintaining approval on a yearly basis.
  • Details of fees and levies relating to AAs can be found in the department’s charging guidelines.

Further information

The department provides guidance for participants in approved arrangements to help them comply with operational requirements. This includes:

  • glossary of approved arrangement terms
  • approved broad spectrum disinfectants
  • In vivo approvals

Please contact the department for more information regarding approved arrangements.

​

 
 

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Contact us online

Report a biosecurity concern

Res​ources

  • Reportable Biosecurity Incidents
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Page last updated: 10 October 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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