6 August 2024
Who does this notice affect?
Entities lodging SAC declarations and cargo reports associated with low-value goods (less than $1000 in value) into the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
What has changed?
On 11 June 2024 the department released Import industry advice notice 119-2024 notifying stakeholders of the commencement of the biosecurity cost recovery measure for the Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) pathway from 1 October 2024.
With the commencement date fast approaching, businesses operating in the SAC pathway are reminded that the SAC charge is administered under a self-reporting model. From 1 October businesses will need to keep records of all SAC declarations lodged for goods arrived in Australian territory. If a business is unable to maintain records of their SAC declarations, its liability will be determined by the department and an invoice will be issued.
Invoicing for the October-December quarter will occur in January 2025. Businesses must rely on their own records to verify their liability to the department.
What needs to be actioned before 1 October 2024:
- Email the SAC cost recovery team at saccostrecovery@aff.gov.au to nominate your preferred DAFF account number for invoicing.
- Ensure that you have a system in place to record the number of SAC declarations lodged and reported by your business.
- Review your commercial relationships in preparation for 1 October.
Further information
Future updates on the SAC Cost Recovery Charge will be shared on the DAFF website and via import industry advice notices. If you have any questions, please email the department via: SACcostrecovery@aff.gov.au