There are two levels of biosecurity that apply to Western Australia:
There are several Federal and State Acts of biosecurity legislation, and it’s illegal to import any biological material without adhering to all the Guidelines and Regulations associated with those Acts.
You might need import permits from both Federal and State biosecurity, or you might just need a Federal biosecurity import permit, or you might not need any permits at all.
Follow the steps below to figure out which kinds of permit(s) you need to apply for, or contact your Biosafety Partner for assistance.
Australian biosecurity
Step 1: Search the Department of Agriculture BICON database for Federal import requirements.
Step 2: Read the import conditions for your commodity to figure out if you need to apply for an Import Permit. If you don’t require an Import Permit then just follow the import conditions.
Step 3: If you do require an Import Permit then you must register (top right of the BICON webpage) to join the existing Curtin multiple user account. The Organisation Name is “Curtin University” and the Account Administrator’s Email is “bernadette.bradley@curtin.edu.au”.
Step 4: Once you’ve been confirmed as a user, you can apply for an Import Permit. You’ll need a credit card. Sometimes you may need to bring the materials into an Approved Arrangement facility – ask your lab manager and/or contact your Biosafety Partner for assistance to either get access to an AA facility or to get the approval for your own lab.
Western Australian biosecurity
Step 1: Search the WA Organism List to find the legal status of the organism you want to import. If it’s listed, you’ll be able to see any control requirements required. If it’s unlisted or requires a permit then you’ll need to apply for an Import Permit.
Note: if you already have an Australian Import Permit you may be able to use it to import into Western Australia following the steps below, by sending a copy with a notification as early as possible for the Director to check, and then again at least 24 hours before importing.
Step 2. Check the Import Requirements associated with the organism. Fulfil all the listed requirements.
Step 3. At least 24 hours before importing, use the most appropriate form to notify Quarantine WA of your intent, and include a copy of any relevant Australian or Western Australian Import Permit.
Notice of Intent (NOI) to import a declared pest or prescribed potential carrier into Western Australia
Notice of Intent (NOI) to import goods into Western Australia
Notice of Intent (NOI) to import subject to import permit
If you need more information, call Quarantine WA on +61 8 9334 1800 or contact your Biosafety Partner.
