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Welcome to the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Biosecurity Report, your one-stop update on the latest operational issues and notices issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This report is designed to keep you informed and prepared to manage biosecurity compliance effectively in an ever-changing landscape.

This Week in Biosecurity

National Biosecurity Week 2025 (25–31 August) is underway, celebrating the partnerships, people and innovations protecting Australia's agriculture, environment, and way of life. Industry plays a significant role in safeguarding Australia's unique and amazing natural environment – read more about National Biosecurity Week HERE.

We are now just one week away from the 2025–26 BMSB season commencing on 1 September, with the Department outlining key updates and compliance measures for industry. Let's dive into this week's key developments.

Summary

Department Confirms Status of AusTreat Providers in France
We have received reports of AusTreat providers being suspended in France. The Department has confirmed this is not correct. Only one treatment provider has been suspended due to deliberate non-compliance.

A recent departmental email requested all AusTreat-approved treatment providers to submit updated information by 14 August 2025 (including calibration certificates, equipment changes, staff updates, and location details). This request formed part of the standard 3-year AusTreat registration process to ensure compliance ahead of the 2025–26 BMSB season.

Providers who have not yet submitted updated details have not been suspended. Any treatment provider with concerns is encouraged to contact the Department directly for confirmation of their status - Offshore Treatments - Offshoretreatments@aff.gov.au

AusTreat Information Session – BMSB Risk Season 2025–26 Recording
The recording of the AusTreat Information Session – BMSB Risk Season 2025–26 is now available. The Department has emailed this recording directly to registered attendees. You can watch the recording HERE.

2025-26 BMSB Information Sessions
BMSB Information Sessions were held this past week, with the Department outlining updates for the 2025–26 risk season. This included a discussion on the monitoring of YSSB and other key changes to seasonal measures. Below is a summary of the main points.

Key Changes & Updates:

Addition of Republic of Korea and Japan to the emerging risk countries list.
Target high-risk goods arriving as airfreight from United States of America and China will be subject to random verification inspections.
Addition of a new offshore BMSB treatment option Ethyl Formate.
New application process for the BMSB in-transit and rolled policy.
2024-2025 Period - Non-Compliance: 104 consignments directed for export due to non-compliance.
Class 4.7 AA requests: Must be lodged with treatments@aff.gov.au
Container Classification: Modified FCL containers are considered break-bulk.
Hard top open tops (ISO22U6/ISO22UP/ISO42U6/IS42UP and ISO45U6/ISO45UP) are deemed to be classified as sealed six-sided containers.

Export Compliance Breach – Grape House Pty Ltd
There has been a lot of chatter about the recent case of The Grape House Pty Ltd, fined $1.05 million last week for deliberately bypassing export controls on table grapes to New Zealand.

The company pleaded guilty in Penrith District Court to 6 counts of making false representations to dishonestly influence a Commonwealth Official, with a further 23 offences taken into account. In 2017–18, it submitted false documentation claiming grapes came from a pest-free area to avoid mandatory cold treatment for fruit fly. The grapes were not from a pest-free area and were exported untreated.

Deputy Secretary Justine Saunders said the case, investigated under Operation Pimlico with New Zealand authorities, highlights the serious biosecurity and reputational risks. Australia's table grape exports were worth $248m in 2023–24. This prosecution underscores the penalties under the Export Control Act, including heavy corporate fines, loss of registration, and potential prison terms. Read more HERE.

Implementation of Dairy Import Risk Review
The Department has finalised its import risk review for dairy products for human consumption, covering bovine, ovine, and caprine dairy (including butter, cheese, and colostrum, but excluding raw milk cheese) from all countries. The review addresses biosecurity risks such as foot-and-mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, sheeppox and goatpox, and sets out measures to manage these risks. An implementation guide has been developed to assist importers and brokers in understanding new requirements.

Implementation begins 31 August 2025 with a 12-month transition period, during which permits will be issued with two sets of conditions, which are current import conditions, and new conditions outlined in the review.

Health certificate negotiations with overseas authorities will take place during this transition, aligning future imports with the revised conditions. Further updates will be provided via the DAFF website, BICON alerts, industry advice notices, and direct contact with affected permit holders. Read more HERE.

Khapra Beetle Measures – Update to Pest Risk Analysis
The Department has provided an update on the ongoing Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium), one of Australia's highest priority plant pests and the top threat to the grains industry.

The PRA will now be delivered in two parts: Part 1 will address the plant product pathway (draft report expected late 2025) and Part 2 the sea container pathway (draft report expected in the first half of 2026). Each draft will undergo a 60-day public consultation period.

This change recognises that biosecurity risks and emergency measures differ between the two pathways, and allows for more targeted risk assessments and evaluation of current urgent actions. Importantly, the existing emergency measures—introduced in September 2020 following increased interceptions—will remain in place until the PRA is finalised and ongoing phytosanitary measures are implemented.

Khapra Beetle, not present in Australia, poses severe risks to stored grain by destroying quality and marketability, making it unfit for human consumption. The PRA continues to assess risks, review emergency measures, and recommend effective, long-term controls to protect Australia's Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP). Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

25 August Report LOGIN REQUIRED

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. GST) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. GST) per customs broker licensing period. Please email Caroline at CZalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC)

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) brings together DAFF and industry representatives to address biosecurity issues impacting trade and logistics with the purpose to ensure effective biosecurity regulation without unnecessary trade barriers. FTA proudly represents the freight and trade sector on this vital committee.

The DCCC meets a minimum of three times per year with out-of-session meetings scheduled as necessary. In 2025, three meetings are scheduled for 3 April, 31 July and 27 November.

Following are the latest DCCC Meeting minutes, communiques and papers:

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

AFAS is a bilateral arrangement between DAFF and participating overseas government agencies. AFAS manages the high biosecurity risk posed by ineffective treatments performed offshore.

Treatment providers registered and listed as approved is available on the List of treatment providers.
- Recent Reviews and/or Suspensions:
20 August 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 275-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider under review – M/s. Elite Services (IN0588MB)
20 August 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 277-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – ENVIRONNEMENT SERVICES NORD (AEIFR4021SB)

Notices:

- Exports:
25 August 2025 : DAFF - EAN 2025/12: TRACE will transition to the Export Service on 17 September 2025
22 August 2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-18: All Markets: Egg and egg products: Australia's return to freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
21 August 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-46: Horticulture – Suspension of Winter Window pathway exports to New Zealand

To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.

- Imports:

Members are encouraged to reference BICON, Australia's biosecurity import conditions database, for any specific commodity concerns or changes related to Import Industry Advice Notices.
BICON provides up-to-date Australian biosecurity import conditions to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.

> Export Conditions via Micor:

Members are encouraged to regularly consult Micor (Manual of Importing Country Requirements) for the latest export requirements, certification details, and market access conditions for specific commodities.

Micor is DAFF's central resource for ensuring compliance with overseas import regulations—helping exporters stay informed, avoid delays, and maintain access to key markets.

Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG)

On 1 July 2020, Freight & Trade Alliance established the Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) designed to provide a One Voice platform for treatment providers to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to deliver nationally consistent advocacy position(s) to government to lead reform and implement best practice. You can read our terms of reference HERE.
If you would like more information, please contact John Park. The value of the group has been acknowledged by DAFF as can be seen HERE.

As always, we encourage members to share their feedback and insights to help us identify issues and advocate for improvements on your behalf.

FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/33 - sponsored by Luckens Fumigation Services