ICON Redevelopment Project
About the project
AQIS has commenced work on its most significant IT project to date, the redevelopment of its import conditions (ICON) database. The ICON system manages and publishes the quarantine conditions relating to the importation of goods. This information assists Australian importers and overseas exporters to comply with the requirements necessary to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country and for AQIS staff to apply import conditions consistently and accurately.
The new system will improve the quality and integrity of the import conditions, the usability of the system and the efficiency of the import permit issuing process. The redevelopment of ICON is consistent with the recommendations of the 2008 independent review of Australia's quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.
The KAZ Group Pty Ltd was selected as the successful tenderer for the software build contract following an open tender process. KAZ commenced work on the project in April 2009.
The redeveloped ICON system will make it easier for anyone around the world to search or browse Australia's import conditions. It is scheduled to be ready by mid 2011, with a new permit application and processing system planned to be available to users by mid 2012.
Industry working groups
To assist AQIS in the redevelopment of ICON, the following industry working groups are being established in consultation with the AQIS/Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC):
- A third-party software developer working group has been formed, representing software developers that link ICON to in-house systems used by the importing industry.
- An industry and community working group will be established in the second half of 2009. This group will represent the interests of importers, both occasional and regular; overseas exporters; brokers and freight forwarders; and other ICON users such as quarantine treatment providers.
Contact us
If you have any comments or suggestions about improving ICON, email the ICON Redevelopment Team or contact us through the AICCC by emailing icon@aiccc.com.