PHC is the peak government plant biosecurity policy and decision-making forum. Its role is to maintain or improve plant health in Australia in support of the economy, environment and community through strategic policy, technical and regulatory advice and national leadership on plant biosecurity matters. PHC has responsibility for delivering on national priority reform areas, including those identified for implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) and oversighting the implementation by governments of the National Plant Biosecurity Strategy (NPBS).

19 June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that applications are now open for the accreditation of farms and packhouses, and the registration of treatment facilities, to export summerfruits to protocol markets for the 2020–21 season.

19 June 2020

Who does this notice affect?

The change affects passengers and crew travelling to Australia, senders and receivers of international mail and other persons who fail to comply with the legislation administered by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

The change will be reflected in infringement notices issued by the department and penalties imposed by courts.

What has changed?

From 1 July 2020 higher financial penalties will be in place for breaches of most Commonwealth laws.

18 June 2020

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to importers of biological products and associated industry participants

What has changed?

The department has noticed some recurring issues in the importation of biological products. The following information will assist importers to address those issues and minimise delays in the border clearance process.

Biological products include:

18 June 2020

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to importers of uncooked prawns and associated industry participants and retailers.

What has changed?

From 1 July 2020, all uncooked prawns imported for human consumption must be deveined (removal of the digestive tract that remains along the dorsal ridge of each prawn to at least the last shell segment).

If you are affected by a recent natural disaster or COVID-19, we appreciate that you may find it difficult to submit returns or pay outstanding debts on time.

Contact your regional levy office (details below) if you are concerned about meeting deadlines or incurring penalties.

We will assess each request for additional time to lodge returns or deal with outstanding payments. Repayment agreements will be established where appropriate.

You will still receive regular email reminders and, where possible, we ask you to submit your returns on time.

17 June 2020

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to notify Authorised Officers that Learnhub is being updated.

17 June 2020

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to notify interested exporters that applications for reservations of tariff rate quota for feed grain exports to Indonesia open on 22 June 2020.

17 June 2020

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?

From 15 June 2020, the Port of Howe Island will become a Non-First Point of Entry (NFP) for vessel arrivals. It will remain a NFP for discharge. An industry advice notice has been published - 65-2020.

16 June 2020

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who are awaiting outcomes of quarantine biosecurity assessments.

Information

The unplanned service disruption to the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS) has been resolved. Clients are receiving direction outcomes to their registered email address as normal.

Action

No action required. The department apologises for any inconvenience caused.