Alerts

Review of standard list of microorganisms and infectious agents:
The standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents list is a list of 200 taxa commonly imported for laboratory use. These microorganisms and infectious agents may be used in vitro and in vivo in laboratory organisms without biosecurity containment. The department uses the list across a range of commodities, including cloning and expression vectors and viral vectors, animal fluids and tissues and laboratory materials.

A review of the standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents was commenced to ensure that the biosecurity risks of these taxa were still managed to an appropriate level. The review considered current biosecurity policy advice for the agents on the list, and where required, new policy advice was sought. Taxonomic changes that have occurred since the list was established were also reviewed. As a result of the review, the department has identified microbes that will require removal or taxonomic updates to manage the biosecurity risks to an appropriate level. We would like to provide the opportunity for importers of microorganisms and infectious agents (and derivatives thereof) to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the list, which are summarised in the table below:

Changes to permit content:
In addition to the above changes, the department’s standard list of microorganisms and infectious agents will no longer be included as an appendix in standard import permits. Instead, it will include a hyperlink to the list from the department’s website that details the laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents permitted for import. There are two reasons for this change:

1. The web list will be more accessible for importers and biosecurity officers, and
2. The department will be able to easily change the list in future, e.g. create taxonomic updates or add new entries assessed as posing an acceptably low biosecurity risk.

The web list has not yet been finalised and is open for consultation. Details of the content that will be included on the web list can be found here.

How will my current permit be affected:
If you currently hold an import permit with the list of standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents, the department will send a Notice of Intention to vary your import permit outlining the changes that will occur after consultation is closed.

Please note that applicants can still apply to import microorganisms and infectious agents which are removed from the standard list via a non-standard import permit application.

Advice for importers of taxa recommended for removal from the list:
If you currently import, or have previously imported and still hold, any of the taxa which are recommended to be removed from the list, please contact the Laboratory and Human Tissues section at imports@aff.gov.au (1800 900 090) by May 1 2024. This will allow the department to determine the impact of the review recommendations on importers and seek additional policy advice if required.

If you would like to continue importing a microorganism or infectious agent which the department is proposing to remove from the list, please let us know and provide information including access to any Physical Containment (PC) or Biosecurity Containment (BC) facilities so that we can take these into consideration.

Future changes to the list:
The department is currently assessing new microorganisms and infectious agents to be added to the list. This will allow importers flexibility to import a broader range of microorganisms and infectious agents and related material under a standard permit. Please ensure you are subscribed to BICON alerts to remain up to date with future changes.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers and customs brokers associated with importing laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents (microbes) under a standard permit, including those who currently hold a standard permit to import microbes or related material

Further information:
Further information on the current policies for importing biological material for laboratory use can be found on the department’s website.

If you have any questions relating to this Alert, please contact the Laboratory and Human Tissues team via email at imports@aff.gov.au or by phone at 1800 900 090.