16 December 2022
Who does this notice affect?
First point of entry (FPOE) operators, vessel operators, shipping agents, importers, brokers and others
What has changed?
A new biosecurity FPOE determination for Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port commenced 16 December 2022, Biosecurity (First Point of Entry—Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port) Determination 2022.
This determination replaces the transitional determination previously in place for the port. As a result, there have been changes to the classes of vessels or goods permitted to arrive at the port, as well as changes to the biosecurity entry points (BEP) for classes of vessels and goods.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port is now a FPOE for vessels other than passenger vessels, and a first point of entry for the following goods:
- baggage other than passenger vessel baggage,
- 20-foot-long freight containers (40-foot-long freight containers are not permitted),
- general goods (including inorganic bulk goods), and
- non-commercial vessel waste.
Operators, masters or agents of passenger vessels planning to arrive at Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port must apply to the department for prior permission to moor.
Operators, masters or agents of any vessels planning to unload goods that are not permitted by the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Port determination must also apply to the department for prior permission to unload goods.
It is the obligation of the person in charge of a vessel to ensure that the vessel complies with the relevant FPOE determinations. Operators and other stakeholders should consult the relevant FPOE determinations to ensure that their proposed vessel or goods movements are compliant with the determinations’ permissions and biosecurity entry points.
Determinations for seaports can be found on the department’s website, Information for arriving vessels and goods.
Determinations can also be found via the search tool on the Federal Register of Legislation website.
Further information
Please see the department’s website for further information about FPOE and non-first points of entry:
For additional information please contact biosecurityfirstpoints@aff.gov.au.