The Biosecurity Regulations 2026 establish a regulatory framework under the Biosecurity Act 2015 for the management of biosecurity risks associated with goods, animals, plants, vessels and aircraft entering Australian territory. The Regulations prescribe notification and reporting requirements for imported goods, including detailed obligations relating to animals, animal reproductive material, eggs and other high-risk consignments. They also extend relevant provisions of the Biosecurity Act to Norfolk Island and define key terms, thresholds and categories used throughout the biosecurity system. The Regulations create procedures for the assessment and management of biosecurity risks through isolation measures, import permits and Biosecurity Import Risk Analyses (BIRAs). They set out requirements for conducting risk analyses, public consultation, scientific review and oversight by the Inspector-General, including mechanisms for stakeholder review of BIRA processes. Additional provisions govern pre-arrival reporting by aircraft and vessel operators, management of exposed conveyances, determination of first points of entry, approved arrangements for industry participants, and enforcement measures such as offences, civil penalties and infringement notices. The instrument also regulates governance, information disclosure, cost recovery, compensation and special biosecurity arrangements for the Torres Strait. It prescribes fees for biosecurity services, permit assessments, quarantine activities and inspections, establishes rules for payment and late-payment charges, and provides compensation mechanisms for damaged or destroyed goods and animals in specified circumstances. Further provisions address reviews conducted by the Inspector-General, protection of confidential and legally privileged information, disclosure of plant pest information to Plant Health Australia, exemptions for movements within designated Torres Strait zones, and transitional arrangements preserving actions taken under the repealed Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
Australia · 2026-09-03