Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) interested in these products?

Plant products may harbour insect pests, fungi, plant diseases and other contamination that have the potential to introduce exotic pests and diseases to Australia.

AQIS manages the importation of plant products by considering plant pests and diseases associated with that commodity and country of origin. To manage the quarantine risks of the products, AQIS requirements may include inspection on arrival and treatments such as fumigation, heat treatment or gamma irradiation.

An Import Permit may be required for certain products. Import permit applications are individually assessed and if granted, will list the specific import conditions required for that product.

Why may I need an import permit?

By applying for an import permit, this allows AQIS to assess your products and determine if they pose a biosecurity risk.   The introduction of exotic pests and diseases into Australia has the potential to harm our natural environment, our food security and economy.

How do I know if I need an Import Permit?

You can check if you will need an import permit by searching the Import Conditions Database ICON.

This database lists the quarantine conditions under which various commodities may be imported into Australia. The information available on ICON is the same information that AQIS officers use when inspecting and clearing goods arriving into Australia. It is essential that importers refer to this database regularly, to keep up-to-date with any changes.

How do I apply for an import permit?

After searching for your product in ICON, it will specify if an import permit is required, and will direct you to the form which is available electronically or can be downloaded and printed. 

What additional information will AQIS ask for?

To assess an import permit application, AQIS requires detailed information about the product. This information must be submitted with each new application, even if a permit has been issued in the past.

We may ask you to present information on the product’s manufacturing process and its intended use. For most manufactured products, you may need to complete and submit the Manufacturer's questionnaire for fertilisers and stockfeed.

This information will assist us in working out if your goods have been processed in a way that could remove any biosecurity risk; if other treatments will be required on arrival; or if there are biosecurity measures the manufacturer can put in place before the goods are exported. This information is used to develop the import conditions written into your import permit.

We may also ask for additional information after your application is submitted.  This may be required to help us better determine the import conditions.

What product information is needed in a manufacturer’s declaration?

The manufacturer’s declaration should describe the plant materials that the product is made from as well as the process that has been used to make the product. A manufacturer’s declaration must meet the requirements under the Minimum Documentary Requirements Policy.

How long does it take to receive my import permit after submitting an application?

Most import permits will be issued within 10 working days after the required payment and full information has been provided. Many applications take considerably less time than this, however, some products, including stockfeed, pet food and fertiliser/environmental products, may take longer because of the higher biosecurity risk that they pose.

How do I amend a current import permit to add extra commodities or change importer/exporter details?

You will need to make a written request to amend an import permit. The request should refer to the import permit number and clearly describe the amendment required.

Request form to Vary an Import Permit
Request form to Vary an Import Permit  PDF [36kb]
Request form to Vary an Import Permit  Word [132kb]

Please note: An amended permit will have the same expiry date as the original.  You will need to pay a fee for an amendment and a further assessment fee if the change is related to product changes.

Credit card
Credit card payment form  PDF [36kb]
Credit card payment form  Word [132kb]

Can I have an import permit with more than one exporter?

You may be able to list more than one exporter on an import permit but this depends on the commodity. When you submit your application please request ‘various exporters’ or list them on a separate attachment.

Please note: an import permit may only list one exporting country. If the various exporters are in different countries, separate applications will be needed for each country.

Why aren't some of the things I applied for listed on my import permit?

If we find that a product you have applied for does not need an import permit (as specified on ICON), we will not list it on your import permit. However, there will be other conditions on ICON that will apply.

If you have received an import permit that appears to be missing some commodities, first check the ICON to see if a permit is required. If you still believe that the commodity should be listed, or you are unable to meet the ICON conditions, contact the AQIS officer/delegate who issued your import permit, or call the number listed at the top of the permit.

Further questions?

See the frequently asked questions about biological products for further information on the use of ICON and the process for obtaining import permits.