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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

The Department continues to strengthen Australia's biosecurity and trade systems through ongoing digital upgrades, regional collaboration, and science-based reforms. The STEPs team recently hosted webinars outlining key digital enhancements, including the transition to the Integrated Cargo and Container Platform (ICCP) replacing AIMS, the shift of Carnet and Ship Stores lodgements into COLS from 7 October 2025, and the expansion of Biosecurity Industry Reporting tools. These initiatives reflect close collaboration with industry to deliver greater transparency and operational efficiency across 2025–26.

Regionally, the PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program continues to build capability within PNG's Biosecurity Authority, strengthening border operations and outbreak response.

Finally, reports confirm the re-entry of US-produced beef into Australia after a 22-year suspension, reaffirming confidence in Australia's world-leading biosecurity standards and commitment to safe, science-based trade.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.

Summary

STEPS Program Update

The STEPs team hosted a series of webinars this past week to provide industry with updates on the current program and its upcoming digital enhancements. Sessions covered the transition to the Integrated Cargo and Container Platform (ICCP), the shift of Carnet and Ship Stores lodgements into COLS from 7 October 2025, and the expansion of biosecurity industry reporting tools. The webinars highlighted how stakeholder feedback is shaping system improvements and the timelines for key releases scheduled across 2025–26.

ICCP – replacing AIMS:

The Integrated Cargo and Container Platform (ICCP) is being developed to replace AIMS. ICCP aims to streamline case management, improve visibility of consignment status, and provide greater transparency and traceability. Planned delivery of containerised and break-bulk cargo modules is scheduled for 2026, with incremental testing and pilot rollouts with selected users.

Biosecurity Industry Reporting Tools:

- Cargo Status Tracker launched in November 2024, providing visibility of consignment status and departmental referrals.
- Fee reporting was released in May 2025, allowing industry to view fees and charges applied to consignments.
- AA Class 19.2 usage and uptake reporting went live in July 2025, enabling industry to track processed versus potential lodgements.

If you'd like to be more involved with the STEPs Program, the Department encourages members to submit feedback or participation requests directly. Your insights are invaluable in shaping future system enhancements. For questions or to express interest in upcoming STEPs consultations, please email STEPs@aff.gov.au.

PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership on regional biosecurity through the PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program, established in late 2024 by DAFF with funding from DFAT's PNG Institutional Partnerships Program.

The program, running until 2026–27, supports PNG's Biosecurity Authority (PNGBA) in building capability to manage exotic pest and disease risks that could affect both PNG and Australia. Key initiatives include staff exchanges between DAFF and PNGBA, updates to border clearance SOPs, targeted outbreak response training, and in-country assessments of PNG entry points.

George Hughes (DAFF's Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer) has been appointed Program Manager, relocating to PNG to oversee delivery, supported by Christine Morton in Australia. Activities are guided by a joint governance framework and backed by technical input across DAFF divisions. The program's aim is to deliver sustainable improvements in PNG's border operations, risk assessments, and incident response, reducing pre-border risks and strengthening protections for both nations across the biosecurity continuum. Read more HERE.

Biosecurity Industry Reporting Session

DAFF's STEPs team continues to deliver strong engagement with industry, hosting a workshop on Biosecurity Industry Reporting – Release 3 and the authentication process for "other users" of the Biosecurity Portal. The session will include an overview of Release 3, access and authentication updates, and a Q&A with the STEPs team.

Workshop Details
Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM AWST / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 483 369 400 747 6
Passcode: M5b8gY6g

If you experience any issues accessing the Microsoft Teams meeting tomorrow, please contact me directly at bflint@ftalliance.com.au for assistance.

IIAN 334-2025: Ship or Aircraft Stores and Carnet now lodged in Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS)

The Department has transitioned Ship or Aircraft Stores and Carnet lodgements to the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS), effective 7 October 2025. Biosecurity Industry Participants (BIPs) are now required to submit these lodgements through COLS instead of via the Import Assessment mailbox.

Key Updates:

New COLS consignment options include 'Temporary Importation – Carnet' and 'Transhipment of Ship or Aircraft Stores'.
Coversheets are no longer required — all information is entered directly into the COLS workflow.
Payments can be processed either as an AIMS Account Client or directly via the COLS workflow at the time of lodgement.
BIPs can now submit and track enquiries about their lodgements through COLS.

Support:

Updated task cards and guidance are available on the DAFF COLS webpage. Assistance is also available through the Client Contact Group on 1800 900 090. Read more HERE.

US Beef Re-enters Australian Market After 22-Year Suspension

After more than two decades, United States-produced beef has officially regained access to the Australian market, following the lifting of a 2003 ban imposed due to BSE (mad cow disease) concerns. The Federal Government reinstated import approval on 25 July 2025, covering both United States and Canadian beef, after a ten-year science-based risk assessment by DAFF confirmed compliance with Australia's strict biosecurity and food safety standards.

The first shipment, reported to be a small ceremonial consignment, has reportedly been organised by the United States Embassy for an upcoming event. While symbolic, the move underscores Australia's confidence in its robust biosecurity system, with DAFF reaffirming that all imports will be subject to stringent controls.

Despite speculation, analysts say an influx of US beef is highly unlikely. The US cattle herd remains at 70-year low, domestic beef prices are at record high, and price comparisons show US steak cuts are 50–70% more expensive than Australian equivalents. Industry experts view the re-entry as a novelty and is unlikely to impact local supply or pricing.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

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

6 October 2025 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:

Notices:

- Exports:
2 October 2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-05: Japan: Organics: Equivalence agreement with Japan now includes alcoholic beverages

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

Reminder - Stay Updated on Import & Export Conditions:
> Import Conditions via BICON:

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 39 071025 - sponsored by WiseTech Academy