149-2026: Clarification of reasonable assistance from industry during imported goods inspections

24 August 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangement (AA) operators, custom brokers, and importers associated with importing goods into Australia.

What has changed?

Biosecurity industry participants involved in the importation of goods into Australia are reminded of their obligation to provide reasonable assistance during biosecurity inspections.

This includes presenting goods for inspection and undertaking associated activities necessary to facilitate the inspection process, including repacking goods once inspection activities have been completed.

This notice provides clarification of the department's expectations regarding reasonable assistance under section 552 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act), supports nationally consistent inspection practices, and reinforces the shared responsibilities of industry and the department during biosecurity inspections.

Clarification of reasonable assistance

Under section 552 of the Act, biosecurity officers can direct the person in charge of the goods, or their representative, to provide reasonable assistance when officers are undertaking functions in relation to goods under biosecurity control, including inspection activities.

It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the goods, or their representative, to ensure that sufficient resourcing is available to support the inspection as required. Reasonable assistance may include activities necessary to present goods for inspection and enable the inspection process to be undertaken efficiently and safely.

The examples provided in the table below illustrate activities that may constitute reasonable assistance. These examples are not exhaustive and other forms of assistance may be required depending on the nature of the goods, the inspection environment, and operational circumstances.

Department responsibilities	Biosecurity industry participant responsibilities
Select cartons for inspection Conduct inspection and sampling activities Collect samples for testing (if required) Take photographs Apply directions in departmental systems Complete inspection documentation Issue verbal and/or written directions	Moving or repositioning goods Lifting or handling cartons, bags or other packaging Opening cartons, bags or containers Unpacking goods for inspection Repacking goods following inspection Closing and securing cartons, bags or containers

Impacts and benefits to industry

Under this approach, the person in charge of the goods, or their representative, will be responsible for providing sufficient resources to facilitate inspections and comply with directions issued by biosecurity officers under the Act.

While this may differ from current practices at some facilities, it is intended to deliver several benefits for industry, including:

Clearer allocation of responsibilities: A clear distinction between departmental regulatory functions and industry manual handling responsibilities reduces ambiguity during inspections and supports smoother interactions between biosecurity officers and site staff.
Greater consistency and predictability: Nationally standardised inspection expectations support a consistent approach across commodity pathways and inspection locations, reducing uncertainty for industry participants.
Improved operational planning and efficiency: A clearer understanding of the resources and support required during inspections enables industry participants to better prepare for and coordinate inspection activities.
Potential reductions in inspection duration and associated charges: Streamlined inspection processes may reduce the time biosecurity officers are required on site where inspections can be completed more efficiently, potentially reducing associated departmental charges.
Enhanced collaboration and transparency: Encouraging active participation by the person in charge of the goods, or their representative, during inspections supports clearer communication, greater transparency, and shared ownership of biosecurity outcomes.

Preparation for providing reasonable assistance

To support implementation of these arrangements, AA operators, customs brokers, and importers associated with the inspection of imported goods are encouraged to:

Review current onsite processes
Ensure appropriate resourcing
Communicate these changes to their representatives
Prepare equipment and safe handling arrangements
Coordinate inspection readiness with third parties (if relevant)

Please note, if insufficient resources are provided to facilitate the inspection, biosecurity officers may cancel the inspection, resulting in cancellation fees and the requirement to request a new inspection.

Further information

For further information email imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.