Import permits

Do you need an import permit? | How do you get an import permit? | Do you require any other approvals? | Conditions on your import permit | Do you need a quarantine approved premise?

Do you need an Import Permit?

Check the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Import Conditions Database (ICON) which lists the Quarantine conditions under which various commodities may be imported into Australia. If an AQIS Import Permit is required, or if any other specific conditions apply, ICON will specify this. All investigators should refer to this database regularly to keep up to date with any policy changes by AQIS.

How do you get a permit?

You need to complete the appropriate AQIS application form, which will depend upon the commodity that you wish to import. You will also need to pay the associated fee to AQIS.

The following AQIS application information and forms are available at the AQIS web site: 'Application for Permit to Import Quarantine Material'.

• Charging Schedule for Import Permit Applications
• Product table - guide to selecting the correct import application form
• How to complete an Application to Import Agricultural Products
• How to complete an Application to Import Biological Materials
• How to complete an Application to Import Cats and Dogs
• How to complete an Application to Import Disability Assistance Dogs
• How to complete an Application to Import Live Animals or Reproductive Materials
• How to complete an Application to Import Plant Materials
• Application to Import Agricultural Products
• Application to Import Biological Materials
• Application to Import Cats and Dogs
• Application to Import Disability Assistance Dogs
• Application to Import Live Animals or Reproductive Material
• Application to Import Plant Materials
• Applications to Import for the Cocos Island
• Applications to Import for Christmas Island

Other forms and information that you may need to access include Animals and Reproductive Material, Biological Products and Plants/Grains and Horticulture.

The import application form requires that you stipulate the QAP details that you propose to use for your imported materials. List all potential QAPs, otherwise you will either require a transfer approval or need to pay an additional fee to amend your import permit. Note that in some areas of the University, due to the registration requirements imposed by AQIS, the lab across the corridor could be a separate QAP and thus require a transfer order!

Do you require any other approvals?

Investigators should check whether other permits or approvals are required as a condition of their import permit and ensure that the appropriate approvals and/or permits are obtained prior to commencing the work. Note that separate permits are required for in vivo work.

Conditions on your import permit

When you receive your Import Permit, read it carefully to ensure you understand all the conditions. The Import Permit is generally valid for two years and may be used any number of times during this period (unless specified otherwise).

The Import Permit will dictate conditions under which the product may enter Australia. It is important that you read these conditions before importing. You should clarify immediately with AQIS any anomalies, uncertainties, inconsistency, error or untenable condition to ensure that the permit will allow you to undertake all aspects of the proposed work. Such matters could include:

• specified treatment conditions that would jeopardise the viability of your sample(s) for the proposed work
• errors in nomenclature on the permit which could cause problems at the border when samples do not 'match' permits

To arrange AQIS clearance of imported goods, the Import Permit and all associated documentation must be presented to the AQIS regional office in the state/territory of entry.

You need to meet the conditions on the Import Permit at all times to ensure your ongoing compliance.

On receiving your import permit you are required to forward a either a hard or electronic copy of the permit to:

Research Compliance Officer
Research Branch
Level 7 115 Grenfell Street 
Adelaide SA 5000
antony.hansen@adelaide.edu.au

Do you need a Quarantine Approved Premise?

The import permit will specify if your goods need to be received and/or maintained in a quarantine approved premise and if so, which one(s) (ie. the ones you listed on your application).

Note that you are only permitted to hold and use quarantine goods in the premise(s) listed on your permit. Any additional facilities you wish to use must be added to your permit conditions. Note also that AQIS will stipulate a Quarantine Containment (QC) class and level at which the quarantine goods must be kept. You must ensure that the facility you propose to use is 1) listed on your permit and 2) at the correct QC class and level for your goods.