2 November 2026
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders and biosecurity industry participants (approved arrangement and compliance agreement holders), vessel masters and shipping agents.
Further information
This Industry Advice Notice advises stakeholders that Phase 2 of the department's improvements to cost recovery for regulatory diagnostic activities commenced on 1 November 2026.
As outlined in Industry Advice Notice 93-2026: Changes to fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity, the department has been implementing a phased approach to improve cost recovery arrangements and support the sustainable delivery of regulatory diagnostic services.
In 2023, the department reviewed the diagnostic activities it undertakes and found that some diagnostic activities were not currently charged or were only partially charged. The phased implementation approach was developed to improve the alignment between charges and the regulatory services provided.
- Phase 1 commenced on 1 July 2026 and introduced charges for diagnostic activities associated with international vessels.
- Phase 2 commenced on 1 November 2026 and introduces a revised charging structure for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported goods.
- revised charging structure for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported goods.
What has changed
Phase 2 introduces a revised charging structure for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported goods. Most diagnostic activities have moved from time-based charging arrangements to legislated fees based on the specific activity performed.
Under the new arrangements:
- most diagnostic tests and examinations have a legislated fee
- current prices are published on the department's website, providing greater price certainty before services are delivered
- some tests have tiered pricing, resulting in lower per-test rates when larger batches are assessed
- charges depend on the type and number of diagnostic activities required
- invoices itemise diagnostic activities and associated charges, improving transparency.
Some diagnostic activities continue to be charged under time-based arrangements where the work is highly variable, complex or cannot be reasonably standardised. These activities continue to be charged in 15-minute increments, plus the cost of any consumable materials required.
Billing arrangements
Under the revised charging structure, the department has changed how it bills for diagnostic activities relating to imported goods. Diagnostic charges no longer appear on the same invoice as other biosecurity charges. Instead, the department issues a separate invoice for diagnostic activities.
Under the new arrangements:
- each diagnostic activity undertaken will be itemised on the invoice
- invoices are generally issued once all diagnostic activities have been completed
- where further diagnostic work is required, an additional invoice may be issued.
These changes provide greater transparency and visibility of the diagnostic activities undertaken and the charges applied.
Transitional arrangements
The charges that apply depend on when the diagnostic activity is undertaken.
- Diagnostic activities completed before 1 November 2026 continue to be charged under the previous time-based arrangements
- Diagnostic activities undertaken on or after 1 November 2026 are charged under the revised fee structure
- Where diagnostic work spans the commencement date, an invoice may include both previous and revised charges
- Additional diagnostic activities undertaken on or after 1 November 2026 are charged under the revised fee structure.
- The revised fees do not apply retrospectively to diagnostic activities completed before 1 November.
Benefits
The revised charging structure is expected to:
- improve alignment between charges and the services provided
- provide greater price certainty for importers
- improve transparency through activity-based charging and itemised invoices
- support more consistent charging for similar diagnostic activities
- improve the transparency and accuracy of billing
- ensure charges more accurately reflect the efficient cost of delivering regulatory diagnostic services
Further information
Further information on proposed changes is available on our Biosecurity cost recovery implementation statements webpage.
Enquiries can be directed to the BioCRIS@aff.gov.au.