Changes

The 'Timber and timber products' BICON case has been updated to:

• better articulate the definitions for ‘unfinished timber’ and ‘manufactured wooden articles’ and the timber products included, or excluded, under each term
• remove the ‘Wooden Articles Permit’ pathway and streamline permit applications using a non-standard import permit application form.

BICON outlines the standard import conditions that reduce biosecurity risk to an acceptable level for all timber and plant products. Under the previous wooden articles permit pathway within the 'Timber and timber products' BICON case, importers could apply for a ‘wooden article permit’ if the product did not meet standard import conditions. Following removal of this pathway, importers may continue to apply for a permit if the product does not meet standard import conditions. The option to apply for a non-standard import permit will be available within the 'Manufactured wooden articles' pathway of the case.

An import permit will only be issued if the biosecurity risks are reduced to an acceptably low level. Evidence will need to be provided within the permit application to demonstrate the product presents a reduced risk level.

There has been no change to the import conditions for timber and timber products or how permit applications are assessed.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers, brokers and Pathway Operations Cargo - Assessment and Inspections.

Background:
Feedback received by Plant Import Operations from internal and external stakeholders highlighted the need to update the definitions for ‘unfinished timber’ and ‘manufactured wooden articles’.

The term 'wooden articles permit' is no longer relevant in lieu of process improvements to streamline these permit applications using a non-standard import permit. Given this, we have removed the wooden articles permit pathway from the BICON case.

Further information:
For additional information, please refer to the webpage Non-standard import permits for timber and plant products not for human consumption, email the Plant Import Operations Branch at imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.