The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has undertaken a cost recovery review of imported food sample management activities.

To meet legislative cost recovery obligations the department will commence imposing fees for post inspection in-office imported food sample management activities when the samples are:

a. returned to the regional office by the inspecting officer and stored by the department for collection, and

b. collected from the regional office, by the courier, for delivery to the appointed analyst.

From 3 February 2025 all in-office sample management activities that are cost recoverable will incur a fee-for-service aligned with the Imported Food Regulations 2019 at a rate of $39 per 15 minutes or part thereof.

Fees will not be applied retrospectively

There are options available to industry:

1. Choose to participate in the Imported Food Sample Management Trial which is testing alternative stakeholder transport processes for imported food sample management. This industry-led approach would not incur the additional charge for an officer to provide this regulatory service. To find out more contact ImportedFood-PostInspection@aff.gov.au.

2. Eligible applicants can choose to enter into a Food Import Compliance Agreement (FICA), under which the importers manage the clearance of their own goods. This industry-led approach would not incur the additional charge for an officer to provide this service. To see if you are eligible for a FICA visit www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecuritytrade/import/goods/food/how/fica

3. The department can continue to provide the service and fees will be applied.