27 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

Operators and workers at first points of entry (FPOE) including port and airport authorities, air and cruise terminals, stevedores, marinas, jet bases, Royal Australian Air Force bases and Royal Australian Navy bases.

What has changed?

A 'Have Your Say' survey has launched seeking feedback on the department's biosecurity awareness packages for FPOE airport and seaport staff.

We would like to hear from FPOE workers, managers and owners.

27 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, transport companies, shipping lines, stevedores and any other operators in the sea container supply and logistics chain that are responsible for reporting or managing sea containers arriving into Australia destined for unpack in rural areas.

The Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (plant rules) set the specific requirements for the export of plants and plant products. The plant rules will be reviewed annually and where needed, amended. Details of the changes will be captured on this webpage.

On 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2022, we are proposing changes to the plant rules to better align them with current business and regulatory practices, and regulatory expectations. The proposed changes are detailed below.

6 September 2021

26 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is for all airlines, freight forwarders, pet transport companies and importers of cats and dogs to Australia.

What has changed?

COVID-19 impact on cat and dog imports to Australia

Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to impact the importation of cats and dogs into Australia. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.

25 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including treatment providers, vessel masters, freight forwarders, biosecurity industry participants, importers, customs brokers, principal shipping agents, and any other operators in the sea container supply and logistics chain.

What is Sterile Insect Technique?

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a recognised phytosanitary procedure for pest management under the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). It is a sterilisation technique that can provide effective control of target insect populations such as fruit flies.

24 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

Importers of high-risk plant products and other stakeholders in the import and shipping industries – including vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal shipping agents, and any other operators in the sea container supply and logistics chain.

Due to favourable crop growing conditions over the past year, food sources for mice are readily available. Access to food may result in a rapid growth of mouse populations and mouse infestations on farms. Be prepared to bait as you sow this year’s crops if mice are active in your paddocks.

Continue to monitor crops after sowing and if mice are still present. Late winter to early spring is the best time to start, before populations grow rapidly in the warmer months.

23 August 2021

Who does this notice affect?

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

Information

Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, BICON users may experience several intermittent outages from 16:00 to 23:59 Sunday 29 August 2021 (AEST).

Action

Users are advised to frequently save any in-progress permit applications during this maintenance period.