One-minute answer
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has clarified the scope of industry ‘reasonable assistance’ during import cargo inspections under section 552 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, including cargo movement, unpacking and repacking. Insufficient personnel or resources may lead to inspection cancellation, cancellation fees and a requirement to reapply.
Who this affects
Importers, customs brokers, and Approved Arrangement operators importing goods into Australia.
Potential business impact
Increased on-site personnel costs may arise due to the requirement for businesses to allocate their own staff for cargo movement, unpacking, and repacking during physical inspections. Inspection cancellations due to inadequate assistance can lead to additional fees and customs clearance delays.
General matter to check
Check whether sufficient personnel and equipment are available on-site for cargo movement, unpacking and repacking during biosecurity inspections.
- Status: guidance · 2026-08-24
- Official source: Clarification of reasonable assistance from industry during imported goods inspections
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General information only; not individual advice.