Timber and plant products present a range of biosecurity risks. Our Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system outlines the import conditions for timber and plant products that reduce the biosecurity risk to an acceptable level.
Timber and plant products that meet these import conditions present a low level of biosecurity risk and do not need an import permit.
Products that do not meet import conditions
Some products do not meet the import conditions outlined in BICON, but present an acceptable level of biosecurity risk. As an importer, you may apply for a non-standard import permit for these products.
Importers will need to provide information to show that the product presents a reduced risk level. There are several ways of reducing biosecurity risk. These include manufacturing and handling processes offshore, pre-shipment treatment or treatment on arrival.
We will assess the information and may grant a permit provided the biosecurity risks are reduced to an acceptably low level.
Lodging a non-standard import permit application
You can lodge an electronic import permit application through BICON. For information about fees and charges, please review the Departmental Charging Guidelines.
Import permit application process
To apply for an import permit you need to:
- Check whether the product meets the standard import conditions outlined in BICON and, if not, whether an import permit is an option for the product.
- Follow the below to complete an import permit application using BICON:
- search for the relevant case
- answer the import scenario questions
- check the import conditions
- click on the ‘Apply now’ button at the bottom of the page
- complete all application fields and questions
- pay the import permit application and assessment fees
- submit the application.
Required documentation
The import permit application form will prompt you to attach documentation for the timber and plant products.
Ensure you attach the relevant information that demonstrates the product presents an acceptable level of biosecurity risk.
We assess each application on a case-by-case basis and consider:
- any manufacturing, processing or treatment applied to the product
- how the product is packaged
- how the product is stored.
Importers’ responsibilities
As the importer, it is your responsibility to:
- ensure all consignments comply with the conditions stated on the import permit
- ensure all consignments are accompanied by the necessary documentation
- notify us of any changes to the details of the product, manufacturer, supplier or importer.
For further information
If you have issues completing an online import permit application, contact the Biosecurity Import Services Team:
Phone: 1800 900 090
Email: Imports
The BICON import permits web page provides further information on applying for import permits, the assessment process and assessment timeframes.