Australia BICON: check biosecurity import conditions and permits

Before food, plant, animal or biological products are shipped to Australia, check their import conditions in BICON, the Biosecurity Import Conditions system run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). BICON shows whether the goods are permitted and whether they need a permit, a treatment, supporting documents or tests; goods that need a permit but arrive without one are not cleared and must be exported or destroyed.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

SystemBICON, the Biosecurity Import Conditions system of DAFF

What it showsWhether goods are permitted, import conditions, supporting documents, treatments and whether a permit is needed

FoodDocuments, analytical tests and limits, laboratory test booking and inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS)

Permit timing90% decided within 20 business days (standard, category 1) or 40 business days (non-standard, categories 2 to 5)

Statutory maximumSix months (123 business days) to decide on a permit

Without a permitGoods are not cleared and must be exported or destroyed; importing without a required permit is an offence (section 186 of the Biosecurity Act)

RenewalPermits cannot be renewed; apply again before expiry

Contact1800 900 090, or +61 3 8318 6700 from outside Australia

What BICON tells you

Some products cannot be brought into Australia, and others are allowed only if they meet conditions that manage biosecurity risk. BICON shows whether a commodity is permitted, whether it is subject to import conditions, and whether it needs supporting documentation, treatment or a biosecurity import permit.

For food, BICON also shows the documents needed, the analytical tests and permitted limits, how to book a laboratory test and the obligations at an imported food inspection. Food that meets biosecurity conditions must also comply with Australia's food standards and is checked through the risk-based Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS); importers are responsible for making sure the food is safe and compliant.

Import permits

Permits are applied for, tracked and managed online through a registered BICON account, and must be granted before the goods arrive.
90% of standard (category 1) applications are decided within 20 business days and non-standard (categories 2 to 5) within 40 business days, counted after payment and a complete application.
The legal maximum to decide is six months (123 business days), and applying does not guarantee a permit.
Permit fees apply, payable by card in BICON or by invoice; applications are not assessed until paid.
Permits can carry conditions, have an expiry date and can be varied but not renewed; decisions can be reviewed internally by the Director of Biosecurity and then externally.
The department may apply a fit and proper person test to applicants and their associates.

If the goods arrive without what they need

Goods that need a permit but arrive without one, including while an application is still being considered, are not cleared and must be exported or destroyed in an approved way. Bringing in goods that need a permit without one is a criminal offence under section 186 of the Biosecurity Act, and permits cannot be issued for goods already in Australian territory. Subscribe to BICON Alerts to hear when import conditions change.

Step by step

Search the commodity in BICON and read its import conditions.
Check whether a permit, treatment, supporting documents or tests are required.
If a permit is needed, have the importer apply in BICON well before shipping and pay the fee.
Prepare the certificates, treatment records or manufacturer's declarations the conditions ask for.
For food, check Australia's food standards and the IFIS inspection and testing obligations.

Documents you usually need

BICON import conditions for the commodity
Biosecurity import permit, where required
Treatment certificate, where required
Supporting documents such as a manufacturer's declaration or government certificate
Laboratory test results for food, where required

Common problems and how to avoid them

Goods arrive while the permit application is still being assessed.

What to do: They are not cleared and must be exported or destroyed; apply well before shipping.

The permit expires before the next shipment.

What to do: Permits cannot be renewed; submit a new application before expiry, copying the earlier one if nothing changed.

Food meets biosecurity rules but fails a food standard.

What to do: Imported food must also comply with Australia's food standards and can be inspected under IFIS.

Import conditions changed after the permit was issued.

What to do: The department contacts the holder to reissue the permit; subscribe to BICON Alerts.

Sources

Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia
BICON import permits Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

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Common questions

What is BICON?

Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions system, which shows whether goods can be imported and under what conditions.

How long does an Australian import permit take?

90% of standard applications are decided within 20 business days and non-standard ones within 40, after payment and a complete application.

What happens if goods arrive without a required permit?

They are not cleared and must be exported or destroyed, and importing them without a permit is an offence.

Can an import permit be renewed?

No. A new application is needed; an earlier application can be copied if its details have not changed.

Does food also need to meet food standards?

Yes. Food must meet Australia's food standards and can be inspected and tested under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.

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