Changes

This notice provides clients of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources notification of changes to import requirements for cats and dogs from Norfolk Island.

What is the change?

• Cats and dogs from Norfolk Island will no longer require an import permit issued by the department.
  

• Cats and dogs must still comply with all pre-export testing, examination and certification conditions as detailed on BICON and the relevant step by step guide available on the department website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category1-norfolk-island
  

How does this impact my imports?

• There should be no impact on your imports as the pre-export testing, examination and certification conditions remain unchanged.
  

• A new health certificate is available for download from the step by step guide.
  

• Importers are responsible for using the most current version of the health certificate available through the department website.
  

• Existing import permits will not be revoked, however importers are advised that the permits will no longer be required and biosecurity officers will be using alternative checklists and procedures to clear consignments.
  

What do I do if I cannot meet the conditions of import?

• Importers that are unable to meet the standard import conditions will still have the option to apply for an import permit and request a variation to standard conditions.
  

• Normal permit and assessment fees will apply.
  

• Importers will need to advise on the proposed alternative conditions and provide an explanation of how these proposed conditions provide a comparable level of risk management.
  

Who can I contact for further information?

Importers can contact the Animal and Biological Import Assessments Branch for more information either via email: imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone: 1800 900 090.