Import Conditions Database - ICON

Changes to Import Permit assessment procedures and documentation requirements for animal baits, bioremediation agents and animal/microbial derived fertilisers.

Under the Quarantine Proclamation 1998 the DAFF Biosecurity Biological Imports Program (BIP) assesses import permit applications for biological animal baits, bioremediation agents and environmental/industrial use products e.g. fertilisers. The biosecurity risk associated with importation of these products is considered to be high based on the potential for indirect exposure of Australia’s production animal systems to imported biological material. Import conditions will be imposed to ensure this biosecurity risk is reduced to an acceptably low level.

The BIP has undertaken a review of the assessment procedures and documentation requirements for these commodities. The aim of the review was to determine whether the system for requesting information in support of import permit applications could be made more efficient. These commodities were included in the scope of the review because of the similarities in documentation requirements for assessment and for similarities in their biosecurity risk profile.

From Monday 9 January 2012 applicants submitting import permit applications for these commodities must provide a copy of the questionnaire – ‘Animal Baits, Bioremediation Agents and Fertilisers Questionnaire’ - to the BIP in support of their application. In an effort to streamline the assessment process the BIP recommends that manufacturers complete the questionnaire prior to the importers submission of the import permit application. Copies of the questionnaire, as well as further details on the information required for assessment, can be found here:

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/biological/checklist

The information provided by manufacturers in the questionnaire is essential for DAFF Biosecurity to undertake a risk assessment of imported product. It is expected that the questionnaire will provide clarity to applicants on information requirements which will lead to greater understanding of the DAFF Biosecurity risk assessment process.

For further details please contact the DAFF Biological Imports Program on (02) 6272 4578 or biologicals@daff.gov.au.

	The information here covers AQIS quarantine requirements only and is current on the date of transmission but may change without notice. AQIS makes no warranties or representations with respect to the accuracy or completeness of that information and will bear no liability with respect to that information. Importers must satisfy quarantine concerns and comply with quarantine conditions applicable at the time of entry. The Commonwealth through AQIS is not liable for any costs arising from or associated with decisions of importers to import based on conditions presented here which are not current at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to identify and to ensure it has complied with, all requirements of any other regulatory and advisory bodies prior to and after importation including the Australian Customs Service, Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health and Ageing, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority and any State agencies such as Departments of Agriculture and Health and Environmental Protection authorities. Importers should note that this list is not exhaustive. Importers should also note that all foods imported into Australia must comply with the provisions of the Imported Food Control Act 1992 , an Act which is administered by AQIS. Notification of the import must be provided to AQIS for all imported goods other than goods imported as accompanied baggage or goods imported via the mail and not prescribed under the Customs Act 1901. Notification must be consistent with Quarantine Regulations 2000 (examples include a Quarantine Entry or a Quarantine declaration).

	Public Quarantine Alert PQA0777

	Changes to Import Permit assessment procedures and documentation requirements for animal baits, bioremediation agents and animal/microbial derived fertilisers. Under the Quarantine Proclamation 1998 the DAFF Biosecurity Biological Imports Program (BIP) assesses import permit applications for biological animal baits, bioremediation agents and environmental/industrial use products e.g. fertilisers. The biosecurity risk associated with importation of these products is considered to be high based on the potential for indirect exposure of Australia’s production animal systems to imported biological material. Import conditions will be imposed to ensure this biosecurity risk is reduced to an acceptably low level. The BIP has undertaken a review of the assessment procedures and documentation requirements for these commodities. The aim of the review was to determine whether the system for requesting information in support of import permit applications could be made more efficient. These commodities were included in the scope of the review because of the similarities in documentation requirements for assessment and for similarities in their biosecurity risk profile. From Monday 9 January 2012 applicants submitting import permit applications for these commodities must provide a copy of the questionnaire – ‘Animal Baits, Bioremediation Agents and Fertilisers Questionnaire’ - to the BIP in support of their application. In an effort to streamline the assessment process the BIP recommends that manufacturers complete the questionnaire prior to the importers submission of the import permit application. Copies of the questionnaire, as well as further details on the information required for assessment, can be found here: http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/biological/checklist The information provided by manufacturers in the questionnaire is essential for DAFF Biosecurity to undertake a risk assessment of imported product. It is expected that the questionnaire will provide clarity to applicants on information requirements which will lead to greater understanding of the DAFF Biosecurity risk assessment process. For further details please contact the DAFF Biological Imports Program on (02) 6272 4578 or biologicals@daff.gov.au.