27 February 2026
Who does this notice affect?
All vessels preparing for arrival into Australian territory must comply with Australia’s mandatory biosecurity requirements.
- All non-commercial vessel (recreational vessels, yachts and motor cruisers) owners or, vessel operators.
- All shipping agents who represent international non-commercial vessels arriving in Australian territory.
What has changed?
On 27 February 2026 the Biosecurity Amendment (2025 Measures No.1) Regulations 2025 (Amendment) is enacted and legally enforceable for non-commercial vessels.
Pre-arrival reports must only be provided in writing, lodged using the non-commercial vessel pre-arrival report (PAR) web portal.
Non-commercial vessel pre-arrival reporting must be in writing
Under Australia’s Biosecurity Act 2015 all non-commercial vessel owners, vessel operators, and/or vessel agents must provide a pre-arrival report (PAR) prior to arrival in Australian waters.
- PAR’s must only be provided in writing (electronically)
- Reports are to be lodged into the non-commercial vessel pre-arrival report (PAR) web portal by non-commercial vessel operators
- A PAR must be submitted no earlier than 90 days and no later than 12 hours before arriving in Australian territory. Reporting changes in circumstances.
Vessel operators, masters and shipping agents must, as soon as practicable, report any changes in circumstances that occur after PAR submission and before arrival at first port e.g. before inspection with a biosecurity officer.
A failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecutions.
Biosecurity officers rely on the PAR to know when and where a vessel will arrive. Vessel operators are legally required to notify the department of any changes to arrival location. If vessel operators don’t update the PAR or notify the department of their voyage arrival change, officers may not be prepared for the vessel’s arrival. This may result in inspection and assessment delays.
It is an offence to arrive at a port which has not been approved by the department.
Vessel operators must choose a port of arrival and plan to arrive there. If voyage plans change or diverting to a different port is necessary, an amended the PAR must be provided.
Updating a non-commercial vessel pre-arrival report
Vessel operators can quickly update their pre-arrival report by clicking EDIT on the email received following their original PAR submission. Alternatively advise of any changes in writing to a biosecurity officer at the relevant port’s maritime biosecurity office. All seaport contacts are listed on the Vessel Contacts webpage.
Not arriving at the specific port specified in the PAR and confirmed in the Biosecurity Status Document is an offence.
Reminder to vessel masters and shipping agents
- Read and understand the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) directions and conditions and keep a copy of the current document on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage in Australia.
- Report any changes in circumstances that occur after submission of PAR and before vessel arrives at first port location for inspection, these changes must be reported via non-commercial vessel pre-arrival report (PAR) web portal.
- A failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecutions.
Further information
For questions, regarding non-commercial vessel pre-arrival reporting:
- contact a maritime biosecurity office
- contact the department’s National Maritime Centre (NMC) by email maritimenc@aff.gov.au or phone: 1300 004 605 (in Australia) or +61 8 8201 6185 (outside Australia).
For general enquiries contact the department on 1800 900 090 or email conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au.
For detailed webpage information, see:
- Import Industry advice notice 364-2025: Action Required: New pre-arrival reporting obligations for non-commercial vessels and aircraft (non-scheduled flights).
- View the non-commercial vessel webpage for information on Australia’s biosecurity reporting obligations and responsibilities.
- View the Vessel webpages for information on Australia’s biosecurity reporting obligations and responsibilities.