The role of the Department of Agriculture is to maintain Australia’s favourable health status by safeguarding Australia’s environment and agriculture from the introduction of new pests and diseases from overseas. The introduction of new pests and diseases to Australia could have serious consequences for the Australian community, environment and economy. Quarantine controls at Australia's borders minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia and protect our agricultural export industries as well as our environment, research capacity and lifestyle. Animal and Biological Import Assessment Branch (ABIAB) assess import permit applications for biological products, provide technical advice to regional officers, importers, general public, Ministers, and perform pre-border activities including desk audits, overseas audits, and inspections.
The branch regulates while trying to facilitate the import of biological materials from live microbes to GM viral vectors. You can expect to work with our knowledgeable team anytime you bring research materials from overseas.