11 April 2022
Who does this notice affect?
First point of entry (FPOE) operators, vessel operators, shipping agents, importers, brokers and others.
What has changed?
New FPOE determinations commenced on 16 March 2022, replacing transitional determinations previously in place at two FPOE locations. New determinations are in place for:
As a result, there have been changes to the classes of vessels or goods permitted to arrive at these FPOE locations, as well as changes to the biosecurity entry points (BEP) for classes of vessels or goods.
The Port of Christmas Island 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,
- freight containers,
- general goods,
- non-commercial vessel waste, and
- waste unloaded from vessels operated by Australian Border Force and Royal Australian Navy.
Passenger vessels planning to arrive at the Port of Christmas Island must seek prior permission from the department.
Prior to 16 March, there were three separate determinations for Norfolk Island port locations – Ball Bay, Cascade Bay and Sydney Bay (Kingston). There is now a single determination for Port of Norfolk Island, listing the three locations as BEP.
The Port of Norfolk Island is a FPOE for vessels generally, and a first point of entry for the following goods:
- baggage other than passenger vessel baggage,
- general goods, and
- non-commercial vessel waste.
Vessels planning to unload goods at a port that is not a FPOE for those goods must seek prior permission from the department.
It is the obligation of the person in charge of a vessel to ensure that the vessel complies with the relevant FPOE determination. Operators and other stakeholders should consult relevant FPOE determinations to ensure that their proposed vessel or goods movements are compliant with the current determinations.
Please follow the links to determinations provided above. 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@awe.gov.au.