Alerts

SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19) has been removed as a ‘human coronavirus with pandemic potential’ under the Listed Human Diseases. As a result, it is no longer considered a Listed Human Disease.

Because of this change, a number of goods derived from SARS-CoV-2 may now be eligible for import under a range of standard permit cases. Details of the affected commodities are as listed below.

Under the Genetic material (nucleic acids and their derivatives) excluding plants and plant pathogens pathway:

• Cloning and expression vectors and viral vectors containing inserts derived from or homologous to sequences from SARS-CoV-2 may be eligible for import under the following cases:

  • Laboratory cloning/expression and viral vectors for routine scientific purposes
  • Laboratory cloning/expression and viral vectors for nucleic acid sequencing

• Purified genetic material (including synthetic genetic material) derived from or homologous to sequences from SARS-CoV-2 may be eligible for import under the following case:

  • Genetic material derived from or homologous to sequences from disease agents

Under the Human fluids and tissues pathway:

• Human fluids and tissues infected with SARS-CoV-2 may be eligible for import under the following case:

  • Human fluids not free from disease — Does not contain biosecurity diseases of concern

Purified recombinant proteins remain eligible for import if they are able to meet all the import conditions listed in the ‘Purified laboratory reagents, toxins and venoms’ standard permit case. This case may be found under the Laboratory materials pathway.

Please note that your goods must meet all the import conditions listed under the relevant standard permit case. If your goods do not meet all the import conditions listed in the standard permit case relevant to your goods, you may continue to submit a non-standard permit application to allow a full assessment of your goods to be carried out.

What does this mean for you?
There is no action required from current permit holders.

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), genetic material, human fluids and tissues and laboratory materials, Pathways Operations Cargo – Assessment and Inspections, Client Contact Group

Further information:
Please contact the Laboratory and Human Tissues Program on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au.

More information on Listed Human Diseases can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.