Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy

This policy defines the minimum documentary and import declaration requirements that must be met when lodging an import declaration to support risk assessment of imported goods, for biosecurity purposes or for goods subject to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

Version 4.1 of this policy, effective from 3 July 2023, reflects changes to the following policy requirements:

• An amendment to the definition of ‘Acceptable treatment provider’, has been made to reflect the department’s updated list of offshore treatment providers on the Offshore Treatment Providers webpage.
• Changes to s4.6.4, s4.6.6, and s6.5 have been made to reflect the department’s updated changes to the:
  • list of offshore treatment providers located on the Offshore Treatment Providers webpage, and
  • the Entity Identifier (AEI) webpage.
• Update the references within the policy to reflect the department’s current name, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Any documents that are relied on to meet import conditions for goods exported to Australia from this date must comply with this policy.

Policy review and change information

Following an announced review and stakeholder engagement, Version 4 of the policy was released in 2021. Periodically, the department is required to make minor changes to the policy to address emerging biosecurity risks, align with legislative requirements, changes to departmental policies, and changes to import condition requirements.

Changes to Version 4.1 of the policy were made to align with changes made to the list of registered and unregistered offshore treatment providers as outlined on the Offshore Treatment Providers webpage. Details of the changes affecting the Offshore Treatment Provider Lists are outlined under Import Industry Advice Notice (IIAN 139-2023). Changes to Version 4.1 of the policy are designed to assist industry members and Class 19 approved arrangements accredited persons with assessing treatment certificates and reporting the Entity Identifier (AEI) in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) or customs broker’s third-party software systems.

The broader key changes made to the policy on 2 August 2021 are still available for reference below.

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet is also available to assist clients in meeting policy requirements.