Inclusion of food safety requirements in BICON

The project to include imported food safety requirements in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) was completed on 14 June 2025. These requirements will continue to be available on Import requirements by food type for a transition period.

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Under the Imported Food Control Act 1992 we regulate food imported for sale, via the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) to check it is safe and meets Australia’s food standards.

In BICON, the imported food safety requirements mirror the layout of existing biosecurity import conditions. After searching the food in the quick search field and answering several questions, a food safety requirements case will be provided with information about:

1. Whether the food is permitted
2. How the food is classified (risk or surveillance)
3. The supporting documentation required
4. The analytical tests that may apply to the food and the permitted limits
5. The obligations at an imported food inspection
6. How to book a laboratory to test the food.

Navigate between the biosecurity import conditions and the food safety requirements by clicking on the relevant tab.

Project benefits

Food importers, brokers, trading partners and department staff will benefit from this project by having:

• A single source of information - for all imported food safety requirements and biosecurity import conditions
• Fewer delays at the border - due to greater clarity of the border requirements that apply to food imports. BICON now specifies what imported food documents are required prior to arrival and what happens at an imported food inspection, reducing requests for missing documentation and confusion about processes
• Reminders on how to prepare for an imported food inspection – BICON imported food cases include clear advice about the documentation required at inspections and how importers can ensure goods are ready for inspection, resulting in fewer cancelled inspections
• Improved delivery of service – BICON provides department officers with a single source of information across Australia, resulting in a more consistent, efficient and streamlined clearance process for food importers and trading partners.

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