Overview
The federal government has made a new set of regulations called the Biosecurity (Human Health) Regulations 2026. The regulations were made under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and are administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. They commenced on 21 September 2026.
What the regulations cover
The Biosecurity (Human Health) Regulations 2026 address several areas:
- 24/7 contact information: Requirements for operators to provide around-the-clock contact information.
- Pratique exemptions: Rules about exemptions from pratique - the permission granted to a ship to use a port.
- Human biosecurity control orders: Contact information requirements for individuals subject to human biosecurity control orders.
- Body samples: Rules for taking and storing body samples.
- Vessel provisions: Rules about when certain vessel provisions apply.
- Ship sanitation certificates: Rules covering the form and content of ship sanitation certificates, including note-making obligations set out in clauses 21 and 22.
Replacement of the 2016 regulation
The new regulations replace and repeal the earlier Biosecurity (Human Health) Regulation 2016. Transitional arrangements are in place for instruments and actions taken under the old rules. Division 1 (clause 23) of the new regulations sets out how actions taken under the old rules carry over.
Key actions stated in the instrument
- Operators of vessels that enter Australian ports are required to check their obligations under Part 2 of the Biosecurity (Human Health) Regulations 2026 regarding 24/7 contact information requirements. The regulations are available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01236.
- Parties that were operating under the old Biosecurity (Human Health) Regulation 2016 are required to review the transitional arrangements in Division 1 (clause 23) to confirm how actions taken under the old rules carry over.
- Parties who need a ship sanitation certificate or are involved in managing one are required to review clauses 21 and 22 for the required form, content, and note-making obligations.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.