Alerts

Importers wishing to import cloning and expression vectors encased in a standard laboratory microorganism or infectious agent or viral vectors should review the standard conditions, published in November of 2022, under the Genetic material (nucleic acids and their derivatives) excluding plants and plant pathogens pathway in BICON, to facilitate the importation of cloning and expression vectors encased in standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents and viral vectors. These goods are not permitted under any other current permit conditions.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has become aware of importers using the current standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents permit to import cloning and expression vectors encased in the species listed in the permit and to import viral vectors. This is not permitted under current permit conditions.

In order to clarify the exclusions of the standard laboratory microorganisms and infections agents (and derivatives) case, on 19 April 2023 the following changes will be published:

• Content will be updated to clarify that the permit case is not permitted for use to import cloning and expression vectors encased in the species listed in the permit case or to import viral vectors.
• Consignment-specific evidence requirements will be updated to ensure clear demonstration of adherence to conditions.

What does this mean for you:
There is no action required from current permit holders. The department will not be amending current active import permits unless permit holders apply to vary their import permit via their BICON account (fees apply) to request the updated conditions.

Any applications submitted before 19 April 2023 that include the standard laboratory microorganisms and infections agents (and derivatives) conditions will be processed as applied for. Applications submitted after this date will receive the new updated permit conditions.

Current permit holders must ensure their goods for import meet conditions of their permit, and not import cloning and expression vectors unless explicitly permitted.

What is a Standard permit:
Learn more about standard permits for biological products.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of or brokers for Microorganisms and infectious agents (and derivatives), Pathways Operations Cargo – Assessment and Inspections, and biosecurity staff.

Further information:
Please contact the Animal and Biological Imports Branch on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au.