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DAFF Biosecurity

Cusmode Customs Brokers Australia > DAFF Biosecurity
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Australia has one of the strictest biosecurity systems in the world, and every importer — whether commercial, retail, machinery, industrial, or personal effects — must comply with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). At Cusmode Customs Brokers AU, biosecurity is one of our core strengths. We help importers avoid delays, re-cleaning costs, re-inspection fees, and the significant disruptions that can occur when shipments do not meet DAFF requirements.

Biosecurity is not something that can be “guessed” or handled casually. Goods entering Australia must be assessed for risk, matched correctly to BICON import rules, and managed carefully through inspection pathways. Even a small oversight — such as a piece of timber packaging without an ISPM15 stamp, or a trace of soil on machinery — can trigger a full inspection, treatment order or even re-export.

Our role is to protect you from these risks.

Why DAFF Biosecurity Compliance Matters

DAFF’s role is to protect Australia from pests, diseases, soil contaminants, insects, seeds, organic matter, mould and timber pests. This includes:
  • Microscopic plant diseases
  • Soil-borne pathogens
  • Timber pests (borers, beetles, fungi)
  • Insects and larvae
  • Contamination in used machinery
  • Seeds and plant material hidden in goods
  • Organic residues on products
Australia has zero tolerance for contamination — meaning importers must be fully compliant before cargo is released.
That is why having a knowledgeable broker matter.

Cusmode’s Biosecurity Services Include

1. BICON Import Rule Assessment

Every product imported into Australia is regulated by DAFF’s BICON system. We verify:
  • Whether the item is permitted
  • Whether treatment is required
  • Whether certification is mandatory
  • Whether inspection is compulsory
  • Whether import conditions differ by supplier or material type
This gives you full transparency of landed cost before your goods are released.

3. ABF Import Declaration Lodgement

We prepare and lodge all import declarations with the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Our process includes:
  • Document verification
  • Valuation checks
  • Country of origin verification
  • Compliance risk assessments
  • Notification tracking
This ensures your goods follow the correct pathway before reaching Australia.

2. Tailgate Inspection Coordination

A tailgate inspection is a quick check performed by DAFF or an accredited officer when:
  • Goods are high-risk
  • Timber is present
  • Machinery is used
  • Containers originate from high-risk countries
We organize the booking immediately, ensuring there is no unnecessary delay.

3. Full Unpack Inspections

Some cargo must be fully unpacked at a DAFF-approved depot. This is common for:
  • Used machinery
  • Vehicles
  • Timber furniture
  • Outdoor equipment
  • Goods with soil risk
  • Mixed retail or consolidation cargo
We manage the entire process, coordinate with depots, and monitor progress.

4. Contamination & Cleaning Requirements

We provide guidance and coordination for:
  • Soil contamination
  • Organic matter
  • Seeds
  • Rust (where applicable)
  • Mould
  • Grease/hydraulic oil residue
  • Tarpaulin contamination in outdoor-packed goods
If cleaning is required, we arrange:
  • Approved biosecurity cleaning
  • Re-inspection booking
  • Correct documentation so it passes the second time
This prevents expensive delays.

5. Timber & ISPM15 Compliance

Timber packaging is a high-risk item. DAFF requires:
  • ISPM15 stamping on pallets/crates
  • No bark
  • No borer holes
  • No mould
  • Correct timber declarations
We ensure correct documentation BEFORE arrival.

6. Documentation Review to Avoid DAFF Holds

Incorrect paperwork is one of the biggest causes of biosecurity delays. We check:
  • Packing declarations
  • Treatment certificates
  • Supplier statements
  • Manufacturer letters
  • Fumigation details
  • Heat treatment documentation
If something is missing, we fix it before the cargo hits the port.

High-Risk Goods We Commonly Clear

Used Machinery & Vehicles

These are the most heavily scrutinized imports. Even small contamination can lead to:
  • Full re-clean
  • High cleaning fees
  • Repeat inspections
  • Treatment orders
  • Long delays
We specialize in making this smooth.

Timber Furniture

We ensure:
  • Correct ISPM15
  • Moisture-free goods
  • Supplier timber statements
  • Accurate BICON matching

Construction & Industrial Cargo

Including:
  • Stone
  • Tiles
  • Steel bundled with timber
  • Large equipment
We specialize in making this smooth.

Food & FMCG

Many food types require special permits or inspection.

Retail & Mixed Imports

Mixed pallets may contain:
  • Prohibited organics
  • Timber
  • Packaging contaminants
We pre-check these risks.

How We Protect Importers from DAFF Delays

  • Early documentation review
  • Correct BICON matching
  • Pre-arrival risk assessment
  • Booking inspections immediately
  • Working with depots for priority movement
  • Ensuring goods meet treatment rules
  • Monitoring re-inspections
  • Clear communication with importers
This saves you:
  • Storage fees
  • Container demurrage
  • Redelivery fees
  • Delays in supply chain
  • Re-cleaning and re-inspection costs

Why Importers Choose Cusmode for DAFF Compliance

  • Strong biosecurity knowledge
  • Experience across all industries
  • Fast coordination with depots & inspectors
  • Transparent communication
  • No hidden fees
  • Accurate paperwork (critical for DAFF)
When your goods are high-risk, you need a broker who knows exactly what they’re doing.

Final Message to Importers

DAFF biosecurity is not optional. It is a strict compliance system designed to protect Australia. But with Cusmode’s expertise, importers can move goods smoothly and avoid costly delays.

Biosecurity is about preparation, accuracy, and experience — and we bring all three.

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