Changes

What's changed

The BICON case for Microscope slides has undergone changes as a result of the Import Conditions Review.

Case description:

This case describes the conditions for the importation of microscope slides with biological material, human material, soil and water for in-vitro use.

The changes were published on BICON on 31 July 2018 and are summarised and explained below:

The pathways in the BICON case for this commodity type have been streamlined and simplified. The case asks users to select one of the following options.

Proposed BICON pathways:

Plant source material.

Biological material (excl. plant material), human material, soil and water.

Changes to import conditions:

There has been an increase in source material that is permitted to be imported on microscope slides and the following source material is now permitted:

- Biological material (i.e. any material originating from an animal, plant, microorganism or microbial source).

- Human material

- Soil and water

Importers are required to provide a declaration issued by the individual or facility that prepared the slides confirming the source material on the slides and the method used to ensure the material on the slides is sealed. The declaration will facilitate clearance by providing clear identification of the goods and demonstrating that they meet import conditions.

The conditions do not allow for the import of:

- Specimens to be used for work involving live animals i.e. no animal is to be exposed directly or indirectly to the specimen or any of its derivatives

- Specimens to be used for isolation or synthesis of viable microorganism or infectious agents or their homologues.