3 June 2025
Who does this notice affect?
Food importers and brokers acting on behalf of food importers.
What is changing?
From 14 June 2025 the food safety requirements that apply to food imported for sale into Australia will be incorporated into the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
For more information visit Inclusion of food safety requirements in BICON.
Key points:
- You will be able to search for imported food safety cases in the same way you search for biosecurity import conditions, by entering either the goods description, tariff code or scientific name into the search field.
- BICON will return cases for biosecurity import conditions and food safety requirements under separate tabs, noting that biosecurity import conditions must be met before the food safety requirements apply.
- BICON food safety cases provide information about the food safety requirements that apply:
- prior to import (i.e. what documentation is required)
- on arrival, such as the analytical tests that may apply and how to nominate a laboratory
- after an imported food inspection is completed.
Project benefits:
Food importers, trading partners and staff will all benefit from 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 will provide 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.
Further information
For further information visit Importing food into Australia or contact the Imported Food section foodimp@aff.gov.au.