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Reform of the biosecurity system

Australia is facing significant and evolving threats posed by exotic pests and diseases across multiple import pathways. These pests and diseases could have devastating effects on agricultural industries, the environment, trade and export market access, our economy and our way of life if they were to establish here. At the same time, supply chains are becoming more complex as international trade volumes continue to grow, which places increased pressure on the biosecurity system.

90-2021: BICON impacted, COLS, OPS and PEBS unavailable from 23:00 Thursday 13 May to 02:30 Friday 14 May 2021 (AEST)

10 May 2021

Who does this notice affect?

All clients attempting to submit permit applications and access invoices using the Department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system during this planned outage.

All clients who will be required to make an online payment during this planned outage.

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

89-2021: Unplanned Service Disruption: Monday 10 May 2021 – Inbound emails

10 May 2021

Who does this notice affect?

All clients of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment attempting to contact the department via email.

Information

The department is currently experiencing delays receiving inbound emails. As a result, clients may experience delays in receiving responses from the department.

Action

No action required. The department is addressing this issue as a high priority and apologises for any inconvenience caused.

88-2021: Conclusion of the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) season and AGM vessel inspections

10 May 2021

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to all vessel masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial and non-commercial vessels for the purposes of Australian biosecurity clearance.

What has changed?

The heightened vessel surveillance window for AGM is between January and May each year. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) ceases its annual surveillance for managing the risks posed by the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) on vessels arrivals after 31 May 2021.

87-2021: Offshore Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Treatment Providers Scheme: reinstatement of Italian treatment provider - A.B.R.A.S. Srl (AEI: IT4001SB)

7 May 2021

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 shipped between 1 September 2020 that arrive in Australian territory by 31 May 2021 (inclusive)).

2021-19 - Grain and Seed Exports Program – Approval of empty bulk vessel inspections at Outer Harbour (Adelaide) and Port Lincoln protected anchorages

6 May 2021

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise that the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has approved two new protected anchorages for the inspection of empty bulk vessels for export.