Importers with a proven track record of meeting Australia's biosecurity requirements can benefit from faster clearance times and fewer inspections through the department's Highly Compliant Importer (HCI) scheme.
HCI is a key initiative under the National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan, designed to encourage positive biosecurity behaviours and strengthen shared responsibility across Australia's import supply chain. Rather than requiring an application process, HCI automatically recognises eligible importers based on their compliance history.
HCI rewards importers with the following benefits:
- No application process
- Reduced inspection rates and associated fees
- Faster clearance times for eligible goods
- The ability to operate alongside approved arrangement class 19.2.
There are currently several eligible commodity groups available on HCI, including green coffee beans for processing, new tyres, whole aircraft, and selected machinery and machinery parts. The department will continue to expand HCI as suitable commodities are identified.
To help importers better understand HCI, the department has released a short video outlining what it is and how the partnership works.
Learn more about HCI and view the video on the department's website: Highly Compliant Importer scheme.
