Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has increased the length of validity for most standard permits granted by Biosecurity Animal Division. This includes standard permits for laboratory materials of animal origin and animal-based foods for human consumption.

These standard permits are currently valid for two years. This will be increased to five years. The increase in validity will take effect for applications submitted on or after the 18th August 2023.

Existing permits will not be affected, their validity period remains unchanged.

The following commodities are excluded:

• Retorted goods
• Products containing more than 10% egg, less than 10% dairy, no meat.
• Cheese and butter
• Farmed finfish
• Goods to be administered, fed, or applied to animals
• Goods that are fertilisers, bioremediation agents, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides and other goods for environmental or industrial purposes

These changes have been implemented to facilitate trade whilst reducing the administrative burden for importers and the department.

In line with the Departmental Charging Guidelines, the following minimum fees will apply for standard permits:

Note the department will continue to issue time-based assessment charges. For each quarter hour, or part of quarter hour, that an assessment exceeds the initial 30 minute assessment period, a $37 fee for service charge will also apply.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers and brokers.

Further information:
Please contact the Biological Imports Program on 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1) or email imports@aff.gov.au with the subject line to include 'Biologicals T2'.