Please note that the content on this page, including documents for download, is currently being updated to reflect recent legislative changes and may be subject to further revision.
A Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) is a regulated, formal risk assessment process undertaken under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Biosecurity Regulations 2026 to assess the biosecurity risks associated with importing a particular good into Australia.
Review and update of the BIRA
The department reviewed the BIRA Guidelines (the guidelines) in response to the 2025 Inspector General of Biosecurity’s review report no 2024-25/01.
The review ensured the guidelines were consistent with the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 and adopted a principles-based approach to conducting a BIRA.
The department also conducted a review of the role of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) to ensure it is fit for purpose. The outcomes of the review of the SAG can be accessed here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/conducting-import-risk-analysis/scientific-advisory-group
While the findings and outcomes of the previous reviews regarding the guidelines and SAG remain applicable, an additional review was conducted to ensure alignment with the Biosecurity Regulations 2026, which commenced on 1 October 2026.
Publication details
October 2026
The updated guidelines are available to download below.
Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis guidelines
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.