Alerts

The department will be amending import conditions for ‘Human fluids and tissues that are free from listed diseases’ in response to several recent outbreaks of human and animal pathogens worldwide. The changes will take effect from 4 November 2022.

Import conditions currently prohibit the import of human fluids and tissues infected with Listed Human Diseases (as listed under the Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2016, which is published on the Federal Register of Legislation). In addition to Listed Human Diseases, import conditions will be amended to exclude human fluids and tissues infected with, or suspected to be infected with, any of the following:

• Monkeypox
• Prions
• Polio virus
• Pathogens of animal biosecurity concern, as listed on the department’s website.

In addition, the department is doing the following:

• Updating consignment-specific evidence requirements to reflect the additional exclusions and to ensure clear demonstration of adherence to conditions.
• Including explanatory information regarding the intent of the permit case (i.e. what goods are permitted for what purpose).

What does this mean for you:
There is no action required from current permit holders. The department will be amending active permits and you will be notified via email if your import permit is to be varied.

If you have goods in transit to Australia that may be impacted, please contact the department as soon as possible at imports@agriculture.gov.au (attention to: Laboratory & Human Tissues Program) or 1800 900 090. Please include details of relevant import permit number(s), consignments (e.g. expected date of arrival, bill of lading etc.) and description of the goods.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers of infected human fluids and tissues, Pathways Operations Cargo – Assessment and Inspections, Client Contact Group.