Diagnostic activities, including pest identification, disease testing and laboratory examinations, help us assess and manage biosecurity risks associated with imported goods and plants or plant material in Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ).
Why diagnostic charging has changed
In 2023, we reviewed our regulatory diagnostic activities and identified gaps where some activities were only partially cost recovered or not charged for. The review identified opportunities to improve cost recovery and make charging arrangements more transparent and consistent. As a result, we updated the way we charge for regulatory diagnostic activities and introduced fixed fees for most activities undertaken to manage biosecurity risks associated with imported goods.
Changes to charging arrangements
The changes do not introduce new diagnostic activities or change how biosecurity risks are assessed and managed. They introduce an alternative charging structure that aligns fees more closely with the complexity and effort involved in each diagnostic activity.
The key changes include:
- a revised fee structure for diagnostic activities associated with imported cargo and plants or plant material in PEQ
- fixed fees for most diagnostic activities
- separate, clearer and more consistent invoicing arrangements
- greater transparency around diagnostic activities and the fees charged
- improved alignment between regulatory activities undertaken and the fees charged.
Some diagnostic activities will continue to be charged in 15-minute intervals, plus the cost of any consumable materials required, due to the variable and complex nature of the work. This includes activities such as collating and analysing data and preparing reports.
New tests and activities may be added to the fee schedule once the effort and costs involved have been validated.
What this means for importers
Diagnostic fees apply when diagnostic activities are required to determine the biosecurity risks posed by imported goods or when mandatory diagnostic activities are required, such as disease screening of plants or plant material in PEQ.
The way diagnostic activities are conducted has not changed. They continue to be undertaken only where necessary to assess and manage biosecurity risks.
The revised fee structure provides:
- tiered pricing that better reflects the complexity and effort involved (for example, a straightforward identification attracts a lower fee than complex testing requiring specialist analysis)
- fixed fees for most activities, helping importers understand the cost of each activity before it is undertaken
- clearer, itemised invoices showing each activity performed and the corresponding fee
- more consistent and transparent charging, making it easier to understand and compare diagnostic costs across consignments.
Cost of diagnostic activities for a consignment
The revised fee structure does not apply a standard charge to all consignments. Fees depend on the diagnostic activities required to assess and manage biosecurity risks.
The total cost of diagnostic activities may vary between consignments because the type and amount of work required can differ, even when similar organisms are detected.
Because the diagnostic activities required cannot always be predicted, we cannot estimate the total cost of initial diagnostic activities before they commence.
View the full list of diagnostic fees on our biosecurity cost recovery implementation statements page.
Initial diagnostics
Diagnostic activities are undertaken only where they contribute to identifying an organism and determining biosecurity risks.
You are responsible for the cost of all diagnostic activities required to assess biosecurity risks. Fees apply whether or not a biosecurity threat is detected or a definitive identification can be made.
Further diagnostics
If further diagnostic activity is required, we will contact you and provide:
- the diagnostic costs already incurred
- an estimate of the additional diagnostic costs
- an indication of the expected timeframe.
Further diagnostics will only proceed once you confirm that you wish to proceed.
If you decide not to proceed, other options may be available, such as treatment, disposal or destruction of the goods. You will still need to pay any diagnostic costs already incurred.
If further diagnostics are likely to cost more than estimated, we will contact you before proceeding with any additional work.
Invoices and payment
Diagnostic activities will be invoiced separately from other biosecurity charges. Invoices will:
- generally, be issued once all diagnostic activities have been completed
- show the diagnostic activities performed, the fee for each activity and the total amount due.
If further diagnostic work is required, we may issue an additional invoice.
Where diagnostic activity commenced prior to 1 November 2026, this will be charged at the rate that applied prior to 1 November 2026. Diagnostic activity that commenced on or after 1 November 2026 will be charged at the new rate.
Invoice enquiries
If you have a query about your invoice, in the first instance contact your post-inspection contact via e-mail, quoting the invoice number and account number shown on the invoice.
Contact us or call 1800 900 090.