How to Import Agricultural Products to Australia

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. 1

   Check BICON for import conditions

   Use DAFF's Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) to check whether your agricultural product can be imported from your specific country of origin. BICON lists the conditions that must be met, including any permits, certificates, treatments, and inspection requirements.

2. 2

   Apply for an import permit

   Many agricultural products require a DAFF import permit before shipping. Apply through the BICON system. Permit conditions specify required documentation, pre-shipment treatments, and any post-arrival quarantine requirements. Processing times vary — allow 20 business days minimum.

3. 3

   Arrange pre-shipment requirements

   Ensure your supplier meets all pre-shipment conditions. This may include phytosanitary inspection and certification, fumigation or cold treatment, laboratory testing for specific pests or pathogens, and packaging in approved materials. The exporting country's national plant protection organisation issues the phytosanitary certificate.

4. 4

   Engage a licensed customs broker

   Choose a broker experienced with agricultural imports and DAFF processes. Agricultural imports require careful coordination between the ABF (customs declaration) and DAFF (biosecurity clearance). An experienced broker manages both streams simultaneously.

5. 5

   Prepare import documentation

   Assemble your commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, DAFF import permit, phytosanitary certificate, and any treatment certificates. For seed imports, you may also need a germination test certificate and variety identification documentation.

6. 6

   Clear biosecurity inspection

   On arrival, DAFF inspects consignments for biosecurity compliance. Inspections may include visual examination, laboratory testing for pests or pathogens, and verification of treatment records. Non-compliant consignments face re-treatment, re-export, or destruction.

7. 7

   Pay duties, taxes, and collect your goods

   Pay customs duty and GST. Duty rates on agricultural products vary — some are protected by tariff quotas or seasonal tariffs. Once cleared by both DAFF and the ABF, goods can be released. Some products may require post-entry quarantine at an approved facility.

Key Regulations

DAFF administers the Biosecurity Act 2015, which provides the legal framework for managing biosecurity risks from imported goods. The Act gives DAFF broad powers to inspect, treat, hold, or destroy goods that present a biosecurity risk.

DAFF's BICON system contains the definitive import conditions for all agricultural commodities. Conditions are specific to both the product type and the country of origin — the same product from different countries may have different requirements.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulates agricultural chemicals (pesticides, herbicides) and veterinary medicines. Importing these products for use in Australia requires APVMA registration or permit.

State and territory biosecurity agencies may impose additional requirements for certain plant materials entering their jurisdiction. For example, some states have quarantine zones for specific pests that affect movement of agricultural products within Australia.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on agricultural products varies significantly. Some products enter duty-free (particularly under FTAs), while others are subject to tariff quotas that apply a lower duty rate up to a specified volume, with higher rates above the quota.

Certain agricultural products are considered sensitive and attract higher duty rates to protect domestic producers. Duty rates can change based on seasonal factors and trade agreements.

GST of 10% applies to the customs value plus duty and transport costs. Some fresh food products may be GST-free when sold domestically, but GST is still payable at the border.

Official Sources

Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.

• DAFF — BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions)

  The definitive source for import conditions, permit requirements, and country-specific restrictions for agricultural products.

• DAFF — Import Permits

  Guide to applying for import permits for plant and plant-based products.

• APVMA — Agricultural Chemicals

  Registration requirements for importing agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines.

• DAFF — Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis

  How DAFF assesses the biosecurity risk of new agricultural products or new supply countries.