14 June 2016
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, there will be some differences in how directions are given via the department’s electronic systems and the suite of manual paper based forms currently being used.
From an importer’s perspective, not a lot will change from the current process of importing goods and conveyance (vessels and aircraft) arrivals. However, there will be some differences in how directions are given via the department’s electronic systems and the suite of manual paper based forms currently being used.
Importantly, there will also be a new requirement for the person in charge of goods subject to biosecurity control to report biosecurity incidents in certain circumstances.
From 16 June 2016, all goods will automatically be subject to biosecurity control as they enter Australian territory.
This will eliminate the need for biosecurity officers to ‘order goods into quarantine’. As a result, the ‘Order into Quarantine’ form will no longer exist.
Reporting biosecurity incidents
From 16 June 2016, the person in charge of goods that have not been released from biosecurity control is required to report biosecurity incidents to the Department.
It is important that biosecurity incidents are reported as soon as practicable, to ensure that any biosecurity risk associated with the incident can be managed to an acceptable level and to limit the risk associated with any pest or disease entering, establishing or spreading into Australian territory.
Biosecurity incidents are generally incidents that result in the import conditions not being able to be managed in the way that has been directed, such as a newly identified infestation, the security of the goods being compromised, or the goods being lost or stolen.
This report can be made by calling 1800 798 636 and/or by completing the Reportable Biosecurity Incident form and emailing it to the Department at See Secure Report.
The legislative instrument that details the requirements for reporting biosecurity incidents is at Federal Register of Legislation.
Note: Failure to report a reportable biosecurity incident as soon as practicable after becoming aware of it is an offence and may make you liable to a civil penalty.
Electronic systems and directions
Functions previously performed in the department’s electronic systems under the Quarantine Act 1908 will still be performed in these systems.
Most of these systems have been updated to reference the powers and processes under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Key systems include:
- the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS)
- Self-Assessed Clearances (SAC).
As previously notified, (36-2016 - Maritme Vessel Reporting and Transition to the Biosecurity Act 2015) the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and associated forms will not change. This is due to the impending introduction of the Maritime Arrival Reporting System (MARS).
The use of current forms and references in VMS will continue. This will reduce the impact on industry partners between the new legislation and MARS being introduced later in 2016.
AIMS directions
The following table identifies AIMS directions that have been changed to align with the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Current AIMS Direction | Replacement AIMS Direction | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Category | Current Direction Name | New Category | New Direction name |
Hold | Officer Hold, contact QTNE | Secure | Contact Biosecurity |
Insp. Wharfside for GAS | Insp. Wharfside for GAS | ||
Pending Insect ID | Pending Insect ID | ||
Pending Test Results | Pending Test Results | ||
Seals Intact | Seals Intact | ||
Fertiliser Hold - OIQ | Fertiliser | ||
Pending documentation |
Movement withheld | Pending documentation | |
Hold – Pending Agree to Treat | Pending Agree to Treat | ||
Pending Information | Pending Information | ||
ICS amendment required - Qtine | ICS amendment required | ||
Seal Intact Pending Docs | Movement allowed | Seal Intact Pending Docs | |
Inspection | Inspect (Hold Seals Intact) |
Inspection | Inspect (Secure Seals Intact) |
Insp Live Fish @ DAFF Office | Insp Live Fish @ Dept Office | ||
SIP- Hold Seals Intact | SIP- Secure Seals Intact | ||
Isolation | Quarantine of Lab Animals |
Isolation | Isolation of Lab Animals |
Quarantine of Zoo Animals | Isolation of Zoo Animals | ||
Hold Pending Qtn release | Pending biosecurity release | ||
7 Days Q'tine of LIVE FISH | 7 Days Isolation of LIVE FISH | ||
21 Days Q'tine of LIVE FISH | 21 Days Isolation of LIVE FISH | ||
Quarantine of Horse | Isolation of Horse | ||
Quarantine of Canine | Isolation of Canine | ||
Movement | Canine/Dog to Vet | Movement Allowed | Canine/Dog to Vet |
To specified premises | To specified location | ||
To specified PEQ Facility | To specified PEQ Facility | ||
Zoo/ Circus Animal Movement | Zoo/ Circus Animal Movement | ||
Surveillance | Follow Up Inspection Required | Compliance Verification | Sea Cargo Survey |
Transhipped Shipstores | Verification | Transhipped Shipstores | |
Cargo assessment FCL | Cargo assessment FCL | ||
Cargo assessment LCL | Cargo assessment LCL | ||
Transhipment of Ship Stores | Surveillance | Transhipment of Ship Stores | Verification |
Hold Seals Intact Verification | Secure Seals Intact Verification | ||
Administration | Hold Pending Payment | Administration | Pending Payment |
Compliance Agreement | Approved Arrangement | ||
Referred to I&E | Referred to ENF | ||
Documentation | CA documentary clearance | Documentation | AA documentary clearance |
Export | Supervised by Quarantine | Export | Supervised by Biosecurity |
New Directions
| Category | Direction Name | Usage of direction |
|---|---|---|
Movement withheld | High value approval required | Used when high value goods are being sent for treatment or destruction. |
Disposal Permission | To Dispose of Commodity | Used to give permission for the person in charge of the goods to dispose of the goods. |
To Dispose of partial commodity | ||
To Dispose of non-commodity | ||
Isolation | Isolation with conditions | These directions will be used by inspection officers. They will serve as a notice that can be affixed to good/conveyance or area that is under biosecurity control. |
Isolation | Isolation with conditions | These directions will be used by inspection officers. They will serve as a notice that can be affixed to good/conveyance or area that is under biosecurity control. |
Biosecurity Control | Biosecurity Control Notice | |
Secure | Secure as directed |
Manual forms
There will be a new suite of manual paper based forms including directions, notices and orders.
The new forms replace the existing manual forms and these new forms will be utilised when:
- there is limited access to the departments network/printer
- there is an electronic system outage
- undertaking wharf and depot assessments and surveillance activities
- post border detections.
Examples of the new electronic and manual forms follow:
Att 1 – Reportable Biosecurity Incident Form
Att 2 – Conveyance subject to biosecurity control assessment and management
Att 3 – Goods subject to biosecurity control assessment and management
Att 4 – Isolation notice
Att 5 - Exposed goods order
Att 6 - Biosecurity control order
Further information
There are now additional pieces of communication material, specifically focusing on what is changing for industry members.
This information is available on our website at the links provided below.
- Importers
- Quarantine Approved Premises and Compliance Agreements
- Installations and petroleum industry
- Shipping industry
- Airports airlines and aircraft operators
Industry groups are invited to share this information with members and any other interested parties.
Contact: Biosecurity Implementation Branch
Telephone: 1800 040 629
Email:
New Biosecurity Legislation
[expand all]
Attachment 1: Reportable biosecurity incidents
Attached is a draft example of the reportable biosecurity incidents form to be completed by the person in charge of goods subject to biosecurity control.
Attachment 2: Conveyance subject to biosecurity control assessment and management
The following attachment is a draft example of the conveyance subject to biosecurity control assessment and management form. This will be used to manage aircraft and vessels.
Attachment 3: Goods subject to biosecurity control assessment and management
The following attachment is a draft example of the goods subject to biosecurity control assessment and management form. This would be commonly used on the wharf and or a depots.
Attachment 4: Isolation notice
The following attachment is a draft example of an isolation notice. This would be commonly used in the clearance of some live animals and plants.
Attachment 5: Exposed goods order
The following attachment is a draft example of the exposed goods order. This will be commonly used at the wharf and depots.
Attachment 6: Biosecurity control order
The following attachment is a draft example of the biosecurity control order and will be commonly used during surveillance.
