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Department of Agriculture

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Import
  4. Before you import goods
  5. How to import goods

Sidebar first - Import

  • Before you import goods
    • Seasonal measures for Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)
      • Guidance factsheets for conducting BMSB treatments
      • Preparing to import BMSB goods
      • BMSB Import scenarios FAQs
      • Safeguarding arrangements
      • Management of LCL/FAK containers
      • What happens to your goods on arrival
      • Management of vessels
    • How to import goods
      • Working with the import cargo and shipping industry
    • Preparing for import
      • Treating cargo outside Australia
        • Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme
        • AusTreat
        • Ethylene Oxide Offshore Treatment Providers Scheme
          • Pre-Shipment Treatment Import Certificate
        • Offshore Irradiation Treatment Providers Scheme
        • Pre-Border Biosecurity Treatment Providers
      • Sea container hygiene system
      • Specifications for sea freight container inspection stands
      • Cargo containers: biosecurity aspects and procedures
    • Sending your goods
      • Airports
        • First Points of Entry – information for arriving aircraft and goods
        • First points of entry - airport operator requirements
      • Seaports
    • Returning Australian products
    • Self assessed clearance cargo: how we work with industry
    • Temporary imports and events
    • Exhibitions, sporting, cultural and other events

How to import goods to Australia

​​​​Before you import

Before you import goods to Australia, it is important that you understand your responsibilities as an importer and the import conditions that may apply to your goods. Complying with these requirements can reduce costly delays and help keep biosecurity risks offshore.

See what import conditions apply to your goods.

Preparing for import

Before your goods leave the country of export, they should be packaged and treated to meet Australia’s import requirements. There are a number of steps to follow to make sure your goods are cleared with minimal delay.

Find out how to prepare your goods and packaging for import.

Sending your goods to Australia

When planning to import cargo, you will need to ensure that the airport or seaport of first arrival is approved to land your cargo.

You are also required to provide information to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and to the Department of Home Affairs about your goods.

Plan an arrival destination and documentation for your goods.

Arrival of goods in Australia

Inspection of containers is conducted on a risk-based approach, focusing on pathways that the department has assessed to be higher risk pathways for pests and diseases.

Goods arriving from high risk ports or destined for unpack in rural areas required increased inspection.

Check if your goods or containers will have to be inspected.

Clearance and inspection of goods

The department will issue the importer with a directive that goods are released from biosecurity control or if any actions are required; for example inspection, treatment, isolation, hold pending further information or insect identification. Third parties who have entered into arrangements with the department supply biosecurity services to importers of goods when they arrive in Australia.

Learn more about inspection and treatment processes.

​

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Page last updated: 29 March 2023

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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