Australia Expands Cost-Recovery Framework for Biosecurity and Food Imports
Australia will increase most biosecurity and imported food regulatory charges by 3.8% from July 1, 2026, as part of the government’s cost recovery framework for quarantine, inspection, and import-related services.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced that the annual indexation adjustment will apply to the majority of fees charged to importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping agents, vessel operators, and other biosecurity industry participants.
In addition to the standard indexation increase, the government has proposed several legislative changes that would introduce new and revised charges across a range of biosecurity activities.
Among the proposed measures are higher cost recovery charges for companion animal imports and the introduction of new fees for imported live garden snails housed at Australia’s Post Entry Quarantine facility. The proposed amendments would also streamline existing cost recovery arrangements by updating provisions for avian imports and removing outdated fees related to horse husbandry and after-hours permit assessments.
The department said the legislative changes are expected to take effect on July 1, subject to government approval.
Australia is also moving forward with reforms to improve cost recovery for diagnostic services used in biosecurity regulation. The changes will be implemented in two stages during the 2026–27 financial year.
The first phase, commencing July 1, will introduce new charges for diagnostic activities associated with international vessels. A second phase, scheduled for November 1, will establish a revised fee structure and fixed pricing for most diagnostic activities conducted on imported cargo.
The department noted that these reforms were originally planned for 2025 but were delayed due to the complexity of import pathways and the need to upgrade billing systems to ensure transparent and consistent charging practices.
Final pricing schedules and details of all approved regulatory charges for 2026–27 are expected to be published in late June through the government’s Biosecurity Cost Recovery Implementation Statement and accompanying pricing tables.
Australia maintains some of the world’s strictest biosecurity controls, designed to protect the country’s agriculture, environment, and food systems from pests, diseases, and invasive species.
Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) – Industry Advice Notice IFN 10-26, 16 June 2026
