Australia Extends the Validity of Standard Import Permits for Animal-based Foods

On August 18, 2023, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) of Australia announced an extension in the validity length of most standard import permits granted by Biosecurity Animal Division. This change will take effect for applications submitted on and after August 18, 2023.

Extension of Validity

Previously, these standard permits were valid for a period of 2 years, but the validity has now been extended to 5 years. This extension applies to a wide range of products, including laboratory materials of animal origin, animal-based foods for human, and foods for animals.

However, the extended validity will not affect existing permits, whose validity period will remain as originally granted.

Exceptions to the Rule

Certain commodities have been excluded from this validity extension, including:

• retorted goods

• products containing more than 10% egg, less than 10% dairy, no meat

• farmed finfish

Brief Introduction of Australia's Import Permits

The import of certain commodities into Australia is regulated by the biosecurity conditions outlined in the Department's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system. Some commodities are only permitted entry into Australia upon the granting of import permit.

To streamline the permit application process and manage the biosecurity risks associated with certain commodities, the Department has published standard permit conditions. Businesses that are able to fulfil all import conditions of a standard permit case are encouraged to apply for the standard permit.

The benefits of applying for the standard import permit include a quicker application process, cheaper applications, and the ability to import multiple goods in the same commodity class with a broader permit. Standard permit cases have been expanded to cover commodities such as cooked pork meat, butter, and cheese from countries free of foot and mouth disease.

Goods that arrive in Australia without the required permit, including those where an application is currently under consideration, will be directed for export from Australian territory or required to be disposed of in an approved manner. This measure is in place to ensure the country's biosecurity.