Biosecurity & Quarantine (DAFF) Guide

This updated guide reflects accurate, current Australian DAFF biosecurity requirements
for imported Japanese vehicles and includes an added section on how Glam Compliance can
assist throughout the full process.

Biosecurity compliance checklist icon 

Introduction

When a vehicle arrives in Australia, the first mandatory clearance is through the Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)—previously AQIS. This inspection ensures
the imported vehicle is free from biosecurity risks such as soil, seeds, plant matter, mould,
insects, and asbestos. DAFF clearance is compulsory for all imported vehicles, whether
arriving via RoRo or container. Failing DAFF requirements can cause delays, additional cleaning costs, or re-inspection fees,
making this step one of the most important parts of the import process.

Why Biosecurity Matters

Australia maintains some of the strictest quarantine laws in the world. Even minor
contamination—dust in wheel wells, plant debris in air vents, mould inside the cabin—can
trigger a fail. If DAFF identifies a risk, the vehicle must undergo cleaning or treatment at a
DAFFapproved biosecurity facility.

Noncompliance can result in:

  • Delays of several days to weeks
  • Mandatory cleaning and decontamination costs
  • Additional inspection fees
  • In severe cases, re-exportation (rare but possible)

What DAFF Checks

DAFF inspectors assess the vehicle thoroughly, including:

Exterior & Undercarriage

  • Soil, mud, and foreign organic matter
  • Rust flakes that may be considered biorisk
  • Contamination on suspension and wheel wells

Interior

  • Mould and moisture damage (common in Japanese vehicles)
  • Organic debris, dirt, pet hair
  • Cabin and air filtration areas

Engine Bay

  • Leaves, nests, and organic debris
  • Excessive oil leaks

Cavities & Hidden Areas

  • Spare wheel compartments
  • Drain channels and cowl areas
  • Underside cavities

Asbestos

DAFF also checks for asbestos-containing components on older vehicles, especially:

  • Brake pads/shoes
  • Gaskets and seals
  • Heat insulation

Common DAFF Fail Reasons

The most frequent causes of Japanese imports failing DAFF include:

  • Mould inside the cabin
  • Dirt or soil on the chassis or suspension
  • Rust flakes classed as biological material
  • Leaves trapped near the cowl vents
  • Pet hair or food crumbs inside the cabin
  • Contamination behind wheel liners
  • Suspected asbestos components

PreExport Cleaning in Japan

Professional pre-export cleaning is strongly recommended. Glam Compliance organises full
prebiosecurity preparation including:

  • Exterior wash and degrease
  • Highpressure underbody cleaning
  • Cabin deep clean and mould treatment (if required)
  • Engine bay wipedown and inspection
  • Tyre and wheel scrubbing

This greatly reduces—but cannot guarantee elimination of—the chance of a DAFF fail.

What Happens at the Australian Port

What Happens at the Australian Port

Once the vehicle arrives:

  1. Vehicle is unloaded from vessel or container.
  2. DAFF inspectors conduct external and internal inspections.
  3. If contamination is found, the vehicle is referred to a DAFFapproved cleaning facility.
  4. Cleaning, steam washing, fumigation, or treatment is completed.
  5. Vehicle undergoes DAFF reinspection.
  6. Once passed, the vehicle may proceed to customs clearance, duty/GST processing,
    and compliance (ADR/RAV).

Expected Costs

These figures reflect typical costs but vary by port and contamination severity:

  • DAFF Inspection: $95–$145
  • Biosecurity Cleaning: $250–$450
  • Mould Treatment: $150–$300
  • Underbody Deep Clean: $200–$400
  • DAFF Reinspection: $65–$120

Severe biosecurity contamination may incur additional charges.

How Glam Compliance Minimises DAFF Delays

Glam Compliance provides a complete prearrival and postarrival process to ensure your
import moves through DAFF smoothly.

Our support includes:

  • Pre-shipment biosecurity cleaning coordination in Japan
  • Photo documentation for DAFF risk assessment
  • Correct labelling of tyres, spare parts, and internal areas
  • Checking highrisk areas (cowl panel, wheel wells, cabin filter)
  • Ongoing monitoring of port status and inspection times
  • Direct communication with DAFF to resolve issues promptly
  • Coordinating any required cleaning, reinspection, and movement permits

How Glam Compliance Australia Can Assist Throughout the Entire Import Process

Beyond DAFF, Glam Compliance provides fullservice assistance from purchase to
registration:

Before the Vehicle Leaves Japan

When the Vehicle Arrives in Australia

  • DAFF inspection coordination
  • Customs clearance & GST/duty support
  • Movement permits

Compliance & Registration

Why Choose Glam Compliance Australia?

  • Over 25 years of automotive compliance experience
  • Specialists in Japanese imported vehicles
  • Fast and accurate paperwork handling
  • Minimised delays and reduced risk of DAFF failures