19/05/2023
Who does this notice affect?
All brokers, commercial operators and private importers who lodge a UPE statement (B534 or B615) into the Australian Border Force (ABF) Integrated Cargo System (ICS) or in person to ABF (for private importers).
What has changed?
Through collaboration with the ABF, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is implementing enhancements to improve the UPE process.
On Saturday 10 June 2023 the electronic referral of UPE consignments from the ICS to the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS), and the automated application of directions, will be implemented.
This electronic referral removes the need for the department to manually generate AIMS entries and apply directions to manage UPE consignments. Clients will also now be able to make booking requests for the inspection of UPEs through the Biosecurity Portal, instead of emailing the department’s booking team.
If I’m a broker, commercial operator or private importer what changes for me?
If you are a broker, your import documents are to be lodged through Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) using the entry number as provided by ICS or the department. Your entry number is to be used to reference the UPE consignment when making an inspection booking through the Biosecurity Portal.
If you are a commercial operator, there will be no change to current processes at this time.
If you are a private importer/non-broker, there will be no change to current processes at this time.
All UPE consignments will continue to be assessed and inspected (when required) by Biosecurity Officers.
Further information
Information about UPEs can be found on our website:
Moving to Australia or importing personal effects/household goods.
For further enquiries regarding these UPE changes:
Email: imports@aff.gov.au
Call: 1800 900 090
(+61 3 8318 6700 from outside Australia)
To make an inspection booking request: Biosecurity Portal