13 May 2021
Who does this notice affect?
Importers of goods subject to biosecurity intervention who may be interested in participating in a trial of new supply chain arrangements for imported cargo.
The trial was announced on 20 April 2021 in a joint release by the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton.
What does this mean?
The department is proposing to trial new arrangements to test the ability to leverage importer management systems to address biosecurity risks across supply chains.
The aim is to reduce red-tape and biosecurity regulatory costs for importers with proven compliance track records who already have significant quality assurance arrangements in place.
Up to three pilots are proposed under the trial, which will run in parallel to existing biosecurity requirements. A separate entity will be selected for each pilot.
The pilots will act as proof of concepts and if successful will lead to more permanent arrangements that will reduce the regulatory burden for these and other importers. Faster clearance of imported cargo will also have downstream benefits for agricultural and other businesses, and free up departmental officers to concentrate on areas of higher risk, non-compliance, and business improvement.
The pilots will also inform joint work with the Australian Border Force towards an improved cargo intervention model as part of the Government's Simplified Trade System reform agenda.
Expressions of interest (EOI) now being sought
Interested importers must submit their EOI by COB Friday 28 May 2021.
Information on how to apply can be found at www.awe.gov.au/industry-partners
Successful applicants will work with the department to design and deliver the individual pilots. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of the EOI.
It is envisaged the first pilot will commence in July 2021.
Further information
Enquiries regarding the Proof of Concept trial should be emailed to Industrypartnerships@aff.gov.au