Australia's updated guidelines for importing dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media

Eda Zenic -

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) issued a notice on the update to the process for importing non-standard dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media.

What Has Changed?

  • Risk Review Completion: The department has completed a review of the import risks associated with dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media.
  • New Measures: The review recommends implementing new baseline risk mitigation measures aimed at modernizing and simplifying the import conditions for these media types.
  • Implementation: The updated measures will take effect from 1 August 2024.

Impact on Permits:

  • Existing Permits: Current permits remain valid. You can continue using them to import goods as before.
  • Permit Variations/New Applications: If you want your goods assessed under the new measures, you can apply for a permit variation or a new permit. Application fees and normal processing times will apply according to the Departmental Charging Guidelines.

Types of Media Affected:

  • New Assessment Process: Pre-sterilised or dehydrated microbiological media, including selective, differential, nutritive, and enrichment media for microorganism growth, will be assessed under the updated process.
  • Exclusions: Media used for cell cultures (animal, human, plant) and dehydrated media in units greater than 5 kg will not be covered by the new process and will be assessed under existing policies.

Changes to the Application Process:

  • BICON System: Applications can still be submitted through BICON. You can use the re-application function if you have an existing permit.
  • Questionnaires: The existing questionnaire for culture media will be replaced with two distinct questionnaires:
    • One for microbiological media
    • One for cell culture media
  • Completion Required: Ensure the manufacturer completes the appropriate questionnaire. If applying for both types of media, both questionnaires must be submitted with your application.

What to Do if You Have an Existing Application:

  • Holding Applications: If you have submitted an import permit application before 1 August 2024 and prefer to wait until the new process is in place, contact your assessing officer or the Laboratory and Human Tissues team as soon as possible.

Further Information:

  • For more details or assistance, you can reach out via the provided email or phone number. Additionally, updated questionnaires and further instructions will be available on the BICON system.