Changes to regulatory charging in 2025–26
We review our fees and charges annually, to ensure they continue to align with the cost to deliver biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity. Through the 2024–25 annual review we identified gaps in charging for some regulatory activities and opportunities to improve current cost recovery arrangements.
In 2025–26 we will:
- apply indexation to fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities
- commence full charging for all diagnostic activities (such as tests, examinations) we conduct to assess and manage biosecurity risks in relation to goods, vessels and aircraft.
These changes will commence 1 July 2025.
Improvements to current cost recovery arrangements
In 2025–26 we are proposing to improve cost recovery for diagnostic activity and approved arrangements by amending legislation to introduce:
- a revised fee structure for existing diagnostic activities the department undertakes, where most diagnostics activities will be listed per activity (i.e. test, examination, with a description of what the fee covers and the rate it will be charged)
- a one-off upgrade charge, applicable to approved arrangement holders when their status changes from single to multiple holder in the same financial year.
Pending the decision of government, the revised fee structure for diagnostics and proposed new charge for approved arrangements will commence 1 July 2025.
The 2025-26 rates for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity and detailed information on the proposed improvements can be viewed on the department’s Have Your Say platform.
Your views will help us to understand how these changes might affect you. Provide your feedback by AEST 5 pm 21 March 2025.