13 March 2024

Species: All

Countries: All

Attention

• All

Purpose

To inform stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is conducting stakeholder consultation on the renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) between 8 March and 20 May, 2024.

Key points

The Australian Government has committed $5 million over 4 years to the development of the renewed strategy, with the objective of providing a framework for a national approach to animal welfare in Australia.

13 March 2024

Who does this notice affect?

All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period.

All shipping agents or operators of maritime conveyances who will be required to report pre-arrival information during this planned maintenance period.

8 March 2024

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to remind industry of departmental processes for authorisation of plant and plant product Requests for Permit (RFP), including requirements for out of hours authorisations and urgent/critical requests.

8 March 2024

Who does this notice affect?

Importers, custom brokers, and other industry participants who submit documentation for assessment via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS).

What has changed?

The department anticipates its ability to meet the published client service standards timeframes for the assessment of Import documentation of non-urgent commodities will come under further pressure in the short to medium term. Timeframes in relation to urgent commodities are expected to continue to be met.

The information provided in the documents attached is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify all details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in the notices.

8 March 2024

Who does this notice affect?

Clients in the import and shipping industries—including freight forwarders, importers and customs brokers—associated with importing goods that require BMSB treatment during the BMSB risk season (goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive)).