2 March 2026
Who does this notice affect?
Participants involved in importing goods who receive biosecurity directions or requirements to provide documents.
What has changed?
We have added clarifying text to some notices issued by our electronic systems to help participants understand when a direction or requirement to provide documents comes into effect. The clarifying text does not change the import clearance process or your rights and responsibilities.
You may see the following or similar text on some directions and notices issued by our electronic systems:
This direction comes into effect:
- immediately if the goods are subject to biosecurity control at the time it was issued; or
- immediately upon the goods becoming subject to biosecurity control if this notice was issued before the goods arrived in Australian territory.
Goods become subject to biosecurity control when the aircraft or vessel carrying the goods enters Australian territory. The terms ‘subject to biosecurity control’ and ‘Australian territory’ are defined under sections 9 and 12 of the Biosecurity Act 2015. Find out more about biosecurity control at The Biosecurity Act 2015: Where and when the Act applies.
What is driving this?
These changes are for clarity and consistency. They are part of the digitisation and modernisation of our services under the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) program.
Further information
If you have any concerns about the clarifying text, please contact the department on 1800 900 090.