Non-commodity information requirements policy
This document defines the information requirements that must be met to support assessment of non-commodity concerns associated with imported goods.
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Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy
The Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy (Min docs) sets requirements that must be met when lodging an import declaration. The policy also sets the minimum requirements for documents used to support risk assessment of imported goods for biosecurity purposes or for goods subject to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Lodgement of import documentation via email
Where biosecurity or imported food consignments are electronically declared as a Full Import Declaration (FID),Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (SCL), or are Carnets or Ship or Aircraft Stores and Transhipments; clients must use the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS), instead of email, to lodge import documentation for assessment.
Entity Identifier (AEI)
The Entity Identifier (AEI) field* in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) is used to track and manage offshore treatment certification that accompanies consignments entering Australia. Reporting the AEI enables the system to identify acceptable and unacceptable treatment providers and expedite clearance of consignments.
An AEI must be reported for consignments treated offshore using:
Documentary requirements for imported goods
Review of documentary requirements
The department utilises policies to aid the consistent assessment of biosecurity and imported food risks. These policies include the Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements and the Non-commodity information requirements policies. The department conducts scheduled reviews of our documentary policies.
Cargo Compliance Verification FAQs
Why are my goods being inspected?
Your consignment has been randomly selected for a Cargo Compliance Verification (CCV) inspection. These inspections are conducted on a containerised sea cargo imported into Australia and aim to:
Cargo Compliance Verification
Cargo Compliance Verification (CCV) inspections are conducted by the department on containerised sea cargo imported into Australia. This is a part of the system of verification that ensures the integrity of the Australian biosecurity system.
Container and break-bulk discharge
Break-bulk discharge
A departmental biosecurity officer must receive notification prior to the discharge of break-bulk cargo.
Biosecurity officers conduct surveillance inspections of break-bulk cargo to ensure freedom from contaminants that pose a biosecurity risk. Break-bulk cargo or non-containerised cargo, including new motor vehicles, must be examined externally for soil and other contamination and treated if necessary.
Clearance and inspection of goods
Cargo arriving in Australia can often be cleared by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry using declarations and information provided by the importer. To decrease the likelihood that your goods will need to be opened and inspected, provide all required documents that need to accompany your goods as specified in BICON.
Suspending or revoking approved arrangements
You must notify the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry if you are planning to change or cancel your approved arrangement.
Requirements for making changes depends on the type of approved arrangement held, specifically whether you operate a site or perform a service.
Your approved arrangement declarant, manager or site manager must advise the department at least 15 business days prior to the proposed date of any changes to your approved arrangement.