Review of documentary requirements
We commenced a review of the Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy in 2019 and has recently finalised the review. The purpose of this review was to ensure that the policy was clear and aligned with other departmental policies and import condition requirements. The review of the policy also focused on the need to address emerging biosecurity risks.
The review was conducted in consultation with industry and resulted in a number of amendments being made to the policy. Refer to the Table of Changes for details on these changes.
The revised policy comes into effect on 2 August 2021. Any goods exported to Australia from this date must be accompanied with documentation that complies with the revised policy requirements.
Please note, the department is in the process of updating the Non-commodity information requirements policy and the delivery post code files to incorporate the 6a urgent measures against khapra beetle. These changes are scheduled to take effect on 12 July 2021 and further details will be provided soon.
Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy
Our Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy defines the minimum requirements for documentation presented to the department to support the risk assessment of imported goods and non-commodity concerns, whether for biosecurity or imported foods purposes.
Non-commodity information requirements policy
Our Non-commodity information requirements policy defines the information requirements that must be met to support the assessment of non–commodity concerns associated with imported goods. It covers the type of consignment, the types of packaging materials used in the consignment, and the container cleanliness statement.
Delivery postcode files
We use delivery postcodes to determine the suitability of a location for goods to be unpacked.
If a consignment is being delivered to a rural destination it will be directed for a rural tailgate inspection, which allows us to conduct a risk assessment on the consignments prior to it leaving a metropolitan area.
See Regional postcode delivery classifications for details on delivery postcodes and a postcode search tool.
Examples of acceptable documents
To assist clients in meeting the requirements outlined in the minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy and the non-commodity information requirements policy, we have created several templates that can be downloaded and adapted to meet individual company/consignment requirements.
See Acceptable documentation templates.
Your feedback on our policies
We welcome ongoing feedback about these polices. To provide feedback please contact entrymanagement@agriculture.gov.au