Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, and principal agents—associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2023-24 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
- The department is now accepting applications for importers wishing to participate in the department’s Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme (the scheme) for the upcoming 2023-24 BMSB season.
- Approved applicants of the previous 2022-23 BMSB season wishing to reapply will now only be required to supply an ABF import report for the previous 12 months. New applicants will still be required to supply an ABF import report for the previous three years.
- Additional information had been added to the website to aid applicants in determining if their Australian unpack location/s are in a metropolitan or rural location according to the department’s post code delivery classifications. Currently unpack locations in rural locations cannot be accepted under the department’s safeguarding arrangement scheme.
- A FAQs page has also been added to the website.
The department will be accepting applications from 31 July 2023 through to 30 January 2024. The scheme offers an alternative clearance pathway for goods imported as sea cargo in six hard sided shipping containers during the BMSB risk season.
Applicants are encouraged to utilise the guidance material on the website to assist in the development of their supporting documentation.
Further information
Further information can be found on the Safeguarding webpage.