June 6 - Australia's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has informed that, from June 16 onwards, an import permit will no longer be required for used machinery, used equipment and used parts.
Changes to the import conditions for these goods coincides with the commencement of the new Biosecurity Act 2015, said a statement. According to the DAWR, the aim of this new arrangement is to reduce costs and the regulatory burden to importers.
Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) will be updated on June 16 to reflect these changes. A statement noted that importers may choose to delay importing the goods mentioned until June 16 to avoid having to obtain import permits under the Quarantine Act 1908.
The DAWR has also commenced a review into the management of biosecurity risks associated with imported used machinery and equipment, which it says may result in further changes to import conditions for these cargoes.
Australian freight forwarder Depth Logistics applauded this approach by the DAWR, noting that there has previously been "little or no industry engagement", which has caused "all sorts of issues" for its clients.
"This change by DAWR is very positive and reduces another compliance burden on all stakeholders," said Depth Logistics.
