22 October 2026
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial and cruise vessels arriving in Australian territory.
What has changed?
The Department's expectations regarding the management of high-risk vessel waste before arrival and while operating in Australian territory have not changed.
This notice is being issued in response to an increase in biosecurity risk material and waste from international vessels being found on Australian shorelines as marine debris (flotsam).
Waste originating from international vessels may pose a significant biosecurity risk if not appropriately managed, contained and disposed of in accordance with Australian biosecurity requirements.
Biosecurity Waste Management Requirements for Vessel Operators
All international vessels arriving in Australian territory are subject to Australian biosecurity controls, including any waste carried on board.
Vessel operators are responsible for ensuring waste is managed in accordance with MARPOL Annex V requirements, both within and outside Australian territorial seas, and in compliance with Australian biosecurity requirements.
Onboard Management of Biosecurity Waste
Vessel operators must ensure an approved biosecurity waste receptacle is available for the storage of:
- waste goods subject to biosecurity control; and
- loose items that present a biosecurity risk but do not form part of a documented consignment.
Biosecurity waste must be stored in reusable receptacles that are securely sealed or closed to prevent:
- the escape of live insects;
- access by birds or other animals; and
- leakage or seepage of waste material.
Receptacles used for biosecurity waste must be maintained in good condition and be free from cracks, tears or other damage that may compromise their ability to effectively contain waste.
Waste Disposal Arrangements
Where biosecurity waste is to be removed from an international vessel at a particular port of arrival, vessel operators must ensure this port is approved for the removal of waste or have received prior approval from the department to remove waste at non-approved port.
Vessel operators must also ensure this waste is able to be collected and treated:
- by a waste management provider operating under an approved arrangement under the Biosecurity Act 2015; or
- under alternative waste management arrangements approved by the Department at that port.
These arrangements should be confirmed with the relevant port operator.
Where these requirements cannot be met waste must be retained on board the vessel.
Notification Requirements
The vessel operator or master is responsible for notifying the Department if biosecurity waste is intended to be discharged at the port of arrival.
Advance notification is recommended to enable confirmation waste can be discharged at the proposed port of arrival and facilitate appropriate arrangements for the collection, handling and treatment of biosecurity waste, minimising delays upon arrival.
Compliance with these requirements helps protect Australia's environment, agricultural industries and community from biosecurity risks associated with international vessel arrivals.