12 August 2025
Who does this notice affect?
Approved arrangement operators, custom brokers, and importers associated with importing raw prawns.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) is currently experiencing extended delays in inspection availability for imported uncooked prawn consignments arriving in Melbourne, Victoria and Sydney, New South Wales.
Clients may continue to book inspections via the Biosecurity Portal as usual. However, please be advised that scheduled booking dates may be subject to longer wait times than normal.
What is driving this
Extended delays are primarily due to ongoing non-compliance issues identified in uncooked prawn consignments. These issues have placed additional pressure on departmental resources.
When non-compliance is detected, further verification of the consignment may be required, including re-inspection. To support timely verification and minimise disruption to other import activities, the department recommends that clients provide additional personnel to assist biosecurity officers during inspections, such as with unpacking and repacking prawn cartons. This assistance can significantly reduce the number of days required to complete the verification process.
How is the department responding
The department is actively working to address the non-compliance issues and improve booking efficiencies. Measures being implemented include accelerated training of new staff to increase inspection capacity and reviewing the inspection processes.
The department apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Further information
Please contact the department on 1800 900 090 for enquires relating to your booking request.