If you are planning to bring goods to Australia temporarily, or for an event, you will need to meet our biosecurity requirements.
Events that may use temporary imports include:
- sporting events
- exhibitions
- cultural and seasonal events
- trade shows
- concerts
- circuses
- military activities
Eligible goods can be brought into Australia using either:
- a carnet, or
- a security arrangement.
You will need approval from the Australian Border Force under the Customs Act 1901.
Find out more about temporary imports (Australian Border Force).
Temporary imports still need to meet our strict biosecurity requirements.
Carnets
A carnet is like an international ‘passport for goods’. It lets you bring goods into Australia without an import declaration.
How to report goods imported under a carnet
- Have your carnet processed by the Australian Border Force first.
- You can then lodge your carnet documents to us before the goods arrive.
- Submit your carnet and documents through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS).
- Include any correspondence with us regarding agreed inspection or treatment arrangements.
- We will assess and advise of any biosecurity requirements.
Find out more on how to lodge documentation with us for clearance.
Security
A security is an amount equal to the duty or taxes that would have been payable at import. You must follow the conditions of the concessional entry. This can include exporting the goods within a set time or using them for a specific purpose.
How to report goods imported under a security
- Have your security processed by the Australian Border Force first.
- Lodge your import declaration in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
- We will assess and advise of any biosecurity requirements.
Goods for events
To support timely clearance, you must:
- check the import conditions for your goods early in the planning process
- ensure equipment is thoroughly cleaned before shipment
- as soon as event dates are confirmed contact us.
Due to the quantity of goods, event locations and operational timeframes, advance planning is often required.
Goods for events are often subject to biosecurity control, especially if they:
- contain plant or animal material, or
- have been used outdoors or at previous events overseas.
Check if you need an import permit
Some goods being imported under a carnet or security may require an import permit. You must:
- check the requirements in BICON
- apply for the required permits before the goods arrive.
Permit conditions for temporary importations may vary depending on:
- the type of goods
- how the goods will be used
- how long the goods will stay in Australia
- where the goods will be kept while they are here
Consumables and food for events
Consumables and food cannot be imported under carnet or security.
If you are bringing food samples for an event:
- you are responsible for making sure they are safe to eat.
- some foods may be inspected and tested under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Contact us
For large-scale events you will need to contact us.
We will need to discuss:
- biosecurity clearance arrangements
- any operational requirements
You will need to provide us with event details, including:
- event name
- event location
- event dates
- type of goods being imported
- expected arrival and departure dates
- proposed inspection or storage arrangements
Phone: 1800 900 090
Email: SeaCargoPolicy@aff.gov.au
Fees and charging
We charge service fees for all consignments that we assess.
See our charging guidelines for advice on payment of service fees.