Automatic Entry Processing (AEP) Reform (NNF 2018/084)





Automatic Entry Processing Reform

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) are updating Automatic Entry Processing (AEP). The enhanced AEP procedures aim to streamline the import declaration process and provide more flexibility for accredited brokers.

The department aim to encourage industry uptake and use of the broker approved arrangements by improving system efficiency and expanding the scope of commodities.

This affects biosecurity industry participants (BIPs) and accredited persons for these broker approved arrangements:

  • Class 19.1: Non-commodity for Containerised Cargo Clearance (NCCC)
  • Class 19.2: Automatic Entry Processing for Commodities (AEPCOMM)

 On 22 June 2018 the Department will be implementing phase 2 of these reforms.

Under the system changes to the AEP model, which are scheduled to be introduced on 22 June 2018, it will be simpler for industry participants, such as custom brokers, to perform document assessments and direct specific goods for release or additional biosecurity measures such as inspection or fumigation. The program update will also promote the incorporation of a wider range of commodities.

Much of the planned improvements will be achieved through enhancements to the department’s IT systems. This will remove current system limitations, streamline information lodgement and provide industry with greater support.

There will also be changes to our verification regime so that demonstrated compliance is rewarded with reduced intervention.

Peta Lane, First Assistant Secretary of the department’s Compliance Division, said:

“The new AEP model is one of the next steps in developing closer relationships with industry. The system has been simplified and delivers greater accessibility and flexibility to both industry and the department. Future streamlining from the middle of this year will provide even greater ease and efficiency for industry participants.

“Whilst the project will deliver a system that provides greater capacity to expand the arrangement, there has also been a focus on communication, information support and training through the Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) program and enhancements to BICON.

“This is a very exciting development and we look forward to working with industry to make the project a success”.

Over the coming months, the department will work closely with industry to provide more information and support about these changes.

For further information on AEP Reform, visit agriculture.gov.au/AEP

To download the AEP Fact Sheet click HERE


CBFCA Comments

The AEP system has been simplified to deliver greater accessibility and flexibility to both industry and the department including future planned streamlining and expansion to commodities will provide even greater ease and efficiency.

It is important to note that the AEP system is faster and bypasses the need to submit documents to the department for assessment via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) that depends on Biosecurity officer to assess the documents and provide a direction.

We encourage members to consider using the AEP system and take advantage of the greater accessibility, flexibility and improved efficiency.


REMINDER of the mandatory CBC 2018-2019 training requirements

Just confirming that accredited persons will need to complete the mandated CBC requirements by 4 June 2018.

Please refer to our earlier newsflash for details of the training requirements by clicking HERE

Advice  from the department is that they will be taking quite a firm line on that deadline so we encourage you to complete your course/courses well ahead of that time to ensure you are able to retain your accreditation under these Approved Arrangements.

To register for one or both of these courses, click HERE. 



Zoran Kostadinoski
Regional Manager VIC / TAS / SA