DAFF - IIAN 204-2025: Billing for Imported Cargo Documentation for Assessment Through COLS

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to inform members of the release of a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) notice advising that, from 1 July 2025, all non-account clients lodging imported cargo documentation through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) must have the full A$40 document-assessment fee available at the point of lodgement. This change forms part of DAFF's 2025–26 biosecurity cost-recovery implementation and is intended to reduce processing delays caused by underpayment or split payments. Who does this notice affect? All importers and customs brokers who lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS). What has changed? Non-account clients will need to have the necessary $40 document assessment fee available (either through ICS payments or payments made directly via COLS) for COLS to accept document lodgements as of 1 July 2025. Brokers who have lodged a FID in ICS pre-July 2025 with a minimum payment of $39 and then submitted their documents into COLS post-July 2025 will be required to make the full payment of $40 in COLS or make an extra payment of $1 in the ICS to bring the balance to $40. This will ensure the correct amount is charged when the document assessment is performed in the 25-26FY and will reduce delays to lodgements being assessed. For more information on Biosecurity cost recovery implementation and the new fees and charges, visit our website Biosecurity cost recovery implementation statements - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au). Further Information Enquiries on indexed prices can be directed to BioCRIS@aff.gov.au.  Please contact Accounts receivable helpdesk for any invoicing and payment enquires. Full details of Import Industry Advice Notice 204-2025 is available HERE.

Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA Copyright © 2025 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.