Importing goods with an import permit
Check that the import permit is active.
An active import permit is:
- an import permit which has not yet expired – i.e. a permit which you can still use to import material
An expired permit is:
- an import permit under which biosecurity status material has already been imported and the material is still in existence, but the permit is no longer valid (ie you cannot use it to import any further material)
If you have any material that you, or someone else, imported under a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) import permit — irrespective how long ago it was imported, how old the permit is, whether you know the permit details, or when the permit expired. The import permit conditions still apply to the goods.
The DAFF requires that you maintain the required records for all active permits as well as all expired permits.
Import permit variations are made either because a variation was requested, or because the Department has updated the import conditions for the commodities on the permit. Import permits may also be varied if AA sites listed on the permit are changed (e.g. if a site is suspended).
Varied import permits have a different permit number to the original import permit. When using a permit, ensure that you have the most recent version by logging into your BICON account, or checking with the person who holds the permit.
-
Check that the import permit covers the goods you plan to import
Read the import permit carefully and confirm that:
- Your goods exactly match the Import conditions prior to arrival in Australian territory,
- Your intended use of the goods matches the Post entry/end use conditions, and
- You are able to meet the documentation requirements in the Commercial administrative conditions. Make sure the sender can provide the required information in a Manufacturer's declaration or Supplier's declaration.
If you cannot meet these conditions, a different permit is required.
For goods where the BICON import conditions do not require an import permit, do not use an import permit ‘just in case’, as this creates documentation discrepancies that can impact approved arrangement facility compliance. You must clearly know whether a permit is required or not before importing the goods.
Notify the permit holder/importer contact that you will be importing goods under the import permit
Ensure you have notified the permit contact person named on the first page that you will be using the permit and informed them of what type of goods you intend to import. Notify the contact person of each instance you intend to import goods, even if they are the same commodity type. For faculty-held permits, you may need to record details of your imported goods in a database.
-
In vivo approvals
There are significant biosecurity risks associated with the use of imported biological goods in non-laboratory animals, such as chickens, sheep and cattle, and in plants.
Non-laboratory animals, as defined by the department, are all animal species other than guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rodents.Visit the DAFF website for further information on in vivo approvals in animals. https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/biological/checklist/in-vivo
Contact the Research Compliance Officer for further information on in vivo approvals for plants.
-
When your goods arrive
Ensure they have been inspected by DAFF on arrival in Australia and either
- released from biosecurity control (this may be labelled on the package),
- directed to a provider for treatment (such as irradiation or funigation), or
- directed to the required approved arrangement site for use in containment facilities (e.g. for goods requiring BC2 containment).
For goods that are expected to be released from biosecurity control (do not require AA containment): If the package has no evidence of being released, ask the courier for a copy of the biosecurity direction. If the goods were not inspected, contact the DAFF Adelaide regional office +61 8 8201 6140.
For goods expected to be directed to an approved arrangement site or treatment provider: You should receive a direction notice from the Department (issued through the AIMS system, or obtained from the import broker). This direction must be retained for audit purposes. If it is missing, contact the import broker or contact the DAFF Adelaide regional office +61 8 8201 6140.
If the goods are directed to the wrong approved arrangement site, please contact the Research Compliance Officer for advice.
-
Biosecurity risk material labelling
All biosecurity-risk material must be labelled with the following mandatory information or a unique identifying number (recorded in a log book, spreadsheet or database) stored near the goods (e.g. a folder in the facility) that can be traced back to this information:
- Import permit number;
- Entry number;
- Date of arrival;
- A copy of any movement directions issued by the Department
- The end use conditions (if applicable). Where end use conditions and labelling requirements apply, they will be specified in the import permit conditions under Post entry/end use conditions.
-
Information for Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry inspections/audits
During an inspection or audit you must know or be able to produce the following for the auditor:
- A copy of all valid and active import permits
- Evidence you understood all conditions on the permit – you may be asked about specific conditions listed
- Evidence of required record keeping
- Evidence that you comply with all directions regarding where and how material can be handled
- Understand, comply with, and produce evidence of, disposal of biosecurity-risk material