Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has made changes to the BICON commodity case Starter cultures (and derivatives).

What’s changed:

The web list of Approved starter cultures has been updated to include the 7 genera that can be imported as included in the genus Lactobacillus. The information notices in the BICON case are no longer required.

Minor changes to the pathway names have been made to improve navigation of the case.

A standard permit has been developed that allows for a list of starter cultures that are not on the department approved list but that are permitted import under an import permit.

A standard permit contains a specific set of conditions that have been assessed by the department as being appropriate to manage biosecurity risks for a certain commodity type. These permits do not list product names and any good that meets the permit conditions can be imported using the permit. More information on standard permits can be found on the departments website: Standard permits for biological products - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au)

If the goods cannot meet the standard conditions, the importer must apply for a non-standard permit and the goods will be individually assessed and product names listed on the permit.

NOTE: If importers want to have product names on a permit they can apply for a non-standard permit, even if the goods could meet the standard permit conditions.

An updated production questionnaire has been added to the pathway that requires an assessment for a non-standard permit.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of starter cultures (and derivatives), Biosecurity Imports Support Team, Assessment Services Group, Inspection Services Group.

Further information:
If you require any further information, or have questions about these changes, please contact the Food Biosecurity Imports Section on 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, then prompt 1) or email imports@aff.gov.au.