7 November 2024
Who does this notice affect?
This notice applies to all industry participants involved in managing biosecurity import inspections, including approved arrangement operators, customs brokers, importers, and freight forwarders.
Background information
The department is exploring a new capability to directly and digitally accept inspection and treatment outcomes from industry participants through third-party vendor products following a direction issued by the department.
This forms part of the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program. STEPS is an investment in the department’s imported cargo ICT systems and business processes to enhance Australia's biosecurity risk management by creating a faster, simpler and more integrated cargo clearance system.
The department would like to commence discussions with third-party vendors to facilitate an understanding of the requirements and technical constraints surrounding this capability. The department is seeking assistance from industry participants to identify these products currently used for reporting inspection and treatment activities within their organisations.
What is requested?
The department request that all participants who engage with third-party vendors of inspection and treatment activity reporting tools, including approved arrangements operators, terminal operators and stevedores, treatment providers (e.g. fumigators and wash bay operators), sea and air freight depots, transport depots, empty container park operators, shipping lines and shipping agents, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders to submit the following details:
- Vendor name
- Vendor key contact person’s name
- Vendor key contact email address
- Vendor key contact number
- Vendor website address
Doing so will support the department in ensuring your needs are met in future reporting solutions and disruption to your business is minimised.
Please provide your nominations via email to STEPS@aff.gov.au before 5:00 PM (AEDST) on Friday 22 November 2024.
Further information
If you need any further information or have any questions, please contact STEPS@aff.gov.au
Visit our webpage for more information on the STEPS program.