6 June 2025
Who does this notice affect?
Biosecurity Industry Participants who lodge import documentation for Ship Stores and Carnet.
What has changed?
The department is enhancing the experience for Biosecurity Industry Participants who submit import documentation for Ship Stores and Carnet.
This enhancement delivers on commitments to improve document lodgement process for industry and was developed as part of the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program. STEPS is an investment in the department’s imported cargo ICT systems and business processes to enhance Australia's biosecurity risk management by creating a faster, simpler and more integrated cargo clearance system.
Under the current process, lodgements are sent directly to the Importassessment@aff.gov.au. Commencing 7 October 2025, Ship Stores and Carnet lodgements will be processed online through the existing system Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS). Biosecurity Industry Participants will access COLS via the DAFF website to lodge import documentation.
Biosecurity Industry Participants are invited to participate in upcoming walkthrough/demonstration sessions in July 2025. Further notices will be published in the lead up to 7 October with department website links to provide information and support materials to enable Biosecurity Industry Participants to follow the new process.
Benefits
- Improved Industry experience based on greater automation and integration.
About the new process
Similarly to other entry types processed in COLS, Biosecurity Industry Participants will select the consignment type, enter carrier and consignment information, provide contact information and upload import documentation.
Drop-in sessions
The department will be holding drop-in sessions for Ship Stores and Carnet Biosecurity Industry Participants who would like to see the new process and ask questions. Interested participants are required to select a session from the sessions outlined below and provide the required nomination details:
Session 1 Date: Monday 30th June 2025 Time: 1pm to 2:30pm | Session 2: Date: Tuesday 1st July 2025 Time: 10:30am to 12pm |
Required details:
- Registrant name
- Company name (if applicable)
- Are you a Customs Broker / Freight Forwarder / Importer / Industry Representative / other (please specify)?
- Session no.
- Registrant email address
- Registrant contact number
Please provide your nominations via email to STEPS@aff.gov.au before 5:00 PM (AEDST) on Friday 20 June 2025.
Further information
If you have any questions, please contact STEPS@aff.gov.au