The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry approves people to carry out specific biosecurity activities at particular places in Australia. These activities may be carried out on plants, animals, plant and animal products or microorganisms. Activities undertaken at approved places manage biosecurity risks associated with imported goods. Places may also be approved for the handling of items not of animal or plant origin e.g. auto parts, scrap metal, cars and machinery.
Allowing suitable places to become registered approved arrangement sites reduces the regulatory burden on importers. Registered places provide an appropriate degree of security and control against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases.
Approved arrangement applicants must meet conditions to ensure that biosecurity risks can be managed and that the likelihood of entry of a pest or disease into Australia is very low. In the case of plant, animal, microbiological and invertebrate research facilities, the department requires premises to comply with the design and construction aspects of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 (Laboratory Design and Construction) and AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 (Safety in Laboratories).
Contact your nearest office for more information on the requirement and processes for becoming an approved arrangement site.
Links
Approved arrangement application
Responsibilities of approved arrangement sites where imported biologicals are used in vivo
Requirements for operating approved arrangements
Sites operating under an approved arrangement