24 June 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice outlines the biosecurity and lodgement requirements for the onshore clearance of foreign force military equipment imported for PB26.
This notice is relevant to all foreign force personnel, customs brokers, commercial operators and biosecurity industry participants involved in the onshore clearance of foreign force military equipment imported via air or sea freight for use in the PB26 Combined Military Activity.
Lodgement information
All imported foreign force military equipment for PB26 must be lodged by a licensed customs broker into the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) under a Full Import Declaration (FID). When lodging the FID, customs brokers should ensure that the correct tariff codes are used to apply the appropriate concessions and Community Protection Profiles are applied to the consignments. This approach is consistent with current Australian Border Force lodgement requirements.
All relevant shipment and manifest documentation must be submitted to the department for assessment via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS).
Normal assessment periods apply for military equipment imported for use in PB26. Customs brokers are expected to lodge shipment documentation at least five (5) business days prior to arrival for sea freight and two (2) business days for air freight to avoid clearance delays.
Cargo bookings
A dedicated team has been established within the department to support the increase of military equipment arriving for PB26 and minimise the impacts of arriving cargo on industry.
Step 1: Inspection direction issued following completion of cargo assessment
Step 2: Broker submits direction + Request for Inspection to military@aff.gov.au
Step 3: Include preferred inspection location and date
Step 4: Department confirms booking
Cargo inspections
Cargo that has not been offshore biosecurity inspected prior to arrival in Australia must undergo a complete biosecurity inspection on arrival. Brokers will receive an inspection direction once documents have been assessed.
Cargo that has been inspected offshore will undergo a verification inspection upon arrival in Australia. Brokers will receive an inspection direction once documents have been assessed. This should be sent to military@aff.gov.au for coordination of inspections.
Note: All inspection bookings will be allocated according to standard departmental procedures. Customs brokers must submit directions to the Military team with sufficient lead time to avoid delays. An inspection appointment will not be confirmed without a valid Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS) direction.
Further information
If you require further information, please contact the Military Section via email (military@aff.gov.au). Additional information about biosecurity requirements for visiting foreign forces is available on the department's Visiting Military webpage.