Importing to Australia: biosecurity basics
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules anywhere. A few checks early can prevent costly holds.
Why cargo gets held
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry assesses imported goods for pest and disease risk. Goods can be directed for inspection, treatment or, in serious cases, export or destruction, usually at the importer's expense.
Requirements change, so check the current conditions in the department's BICON system before you ship.
Timber packaging
Pallets, crates and dunnage made from solid wood are a frequent problem. They generally need to be treated and marked to the ISPM 15 standard, or be free of timber altogether.
Ask your supplier what packaging they will use before the goods are packed.
Seasonal stink bug measures
Certain goods from specified countries face additional measures during the brown marmorated stink bug risk season, which generally covers shipments in the Australian spring and summer months. Target goods can require offshore treatment.
The target countries and goods are updated each season, so confirm them for the year you are shipping.
Container cleanliness
Soil, plant material, seeds and insects on or inside a container can trigger inspection. Ask for a clean container and have it checked at packing.
