What this instrument does
The Biosecurity (Ship Sanitation Certification Scheme - Ports) Declaration 2026 was registered on 14 September 2026. It is made under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and is administered jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The declaration sets out which Australian ports vessels can be inspected at for the purposes of the ship sanitation certification scheme. This scheme relates to international vessels that require health clearance certificates.
What it replaces
The 2026 declaration repeals and replaces the earlier Biosecurity (Ship Sanitation Certification Scheme - Ports) Declaration 2016.
What the source does not specify
The source does not specify which ports are listed in the new declaration, nor does it detail any transition requirements beyond the repeal of the 2016 instrument.
Where to find the instrument
The full text of the declaration is available at legislation.gov.au/F2026L01208.
For questions about how the declaration applies to a vessel's certification requirements, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing are the administering agencies.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.