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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

This week's biosecurity report highlights DAFF's upcoming information sessions ahead of Biosecurity Industry Reporting – Release 3 on the Biosecurity Portal. The Tracking Animal Certification for Exports system (TRACE) has been fully restored for live-animal export NOIs, while policy engagement ramps up via a six-week consultation on First Nations inclusion in agriculture.

Market access developments include approval for Malaysian processing of Australian-origin prawns, and the deadline for the transitional period for revised Khapra Beetle phytosanitary and treatment requirements ends tomorrow. Industry, especially Class 19 participants, are encouraged to review IIAN 165-2025 and ensure Khapra compliance for any consignments not yet cleared.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.

Summary

Information Sessions for Biosecurity Industry Reporting – Release 3

The Department has announced the rollout of Release 3 of Biosecurity Industry Reporting via the Biosecurity Portal, expanding access to users who log in with an email and password (with multi-factor authentication) under the "Other Users" pathway. This enhancement is part of the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program, designed to improve cargo visibility and streamline biosecurity processes for industry participants.

To support industry ahead of the release, the department will host a series of online one-hour information and demonstration sessions on 18–20 November 2025, with multiple time options available. Help cards and training resources are already available through LearnHub, and further advice will be issued once Release 3 goes live.

To register for a session, please click on the link provided:

Industry participants operating under Approved Arrangement Class 19 are encouraged to register for a session and direct any queries to STEPS@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

TRACE System Restored

The TRACE system is now fully restored and accessible via the Export Service. All live animal export industry users are advised to resume standard operations immediately, including the lodgement of Notices of Intent (NOIs) directly through TRACE.

Manual business continuity processes are no longer required. Any manual NOI applications already submitted will still be processed by the department, after which users will be able to view and amend them in TRACE. The system is secure, and previous access issues have been resolved.

For assistance or consignment-related queries:

Livestock exports: livestockexp@aff.gov.au
Reproductive/genetics exports: genetics@aff.gov.au

Read more HERE.

DAFF Consultation on First Nations Agricultural Inclusion

The Department has opened a six-week national consultation to inform a new policy framework that will strengthen First Nations participation in Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, supporting the government's goal of building a $100 billion agriculture industry by 2030.

A 20-page discussion paper released this week highlights the economic potential of Indigenous-owned agribusinesses, currently forecast to contribute $2.14 billion by 2030, and outlines opportunities to expand First Nations involvement across commercial agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, bushfoods, and supply chain operations such as abattoirs and processing facilities. DAFF emphasises the value of Indigenous Knowledge systems in improving sustainability, innovation, and land management practices.

The final national statement will be shaped by self-determination principles, aligned with broader government priorities including Closing the Gap, First Nations economic empowerment, and the national food security strategy. A cross-government taskforce will oversee development of the policy.

Submissions and survey responses are open until 12 December 2025. Read more HERE.

Approval for Malaysian Processing of Australian-Origin Prawns

The Department has approved Malaysia to process Australian-origin prawns that are exported, processed overseas, and then re-imported to Australia.

Following a detailed assessment, DAFF determined that Malaysia has suitable biosecurity systems and secure supply chain controls to manage this processing pathway. The evaluation confirmed that Malaysia's Competent Authority can maintain the biosecurity integrity of Australian prawns throughout import, processing, and re-export operations.

Once the final administrative steps are completed and the pathway is established in the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system, import permit applications for Australian-origin prawns processed in Malaysia will be accepted for assessment.

Stakeholders can direct enquiries to aquaticbiosecurity@aff.gov.au or subscribe to DAFF's Biosecurity Risk Analysis Animal updates for future notifications. Read more HERE.

Khapra Beetle Treatment and Phytosanitary Requirements - Transitional period ending 12 November 2025

DAFF has reminded importers that the transitional period for revised Khapra Beetle phytosanitary and treatment requirements will end on 12 November 2025. From this date, all consignments of plant products for human consumption must comply fully with the updated import conditions.

Key changes first announced under IIAN 165-2025 include revised gas-permeable packaging declarations, new NPPO supervision requirements, and additional declarations for treatments undertaken by providers that are suspended, under review, withdrawn, or unacceptable on DAFF's treatment provider lists.

From 12 November 2025, any consignments not yet cleared that do not meet the updated conditions will be directed for remedial action, including export or destruction. The Department has also clarified how the in-transit policy applies if a treatment provider's approval status changes while goods are en route — certification issued before the status change remains acceptable, but certification issued after will be deemed invalid, requiring onshore management or re-treatment.

Some import permits may be varied to update onshore management arrangements. Permit holders will be contacted prior to the deadline, with variations issued at no cost.

For further information, contact Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au (subject line: Plant T2 – Khapra urgent actions – Phytosanitary updates) or phone 1800 900 090.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

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

10 November 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:

5 November 2025: DAFF - EIAN 2025-57: Plant Exports – Export systems expected maintenance outage

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

- Imports:

5 November 2025: DAFF - MAA2025-21: Egg and egg products: Avian influenza update #27: High pathogenicity avian influenza update for Sri Lanka
5 November 2025: DAFF - IIAN 376-2025: Unplanned Service Disruption: Wednesday 05 November 2025 – PEBS
5 November 2025: DAFF - IIAN 375-2025: Urgent Scheduled Service Disruption: Thursday 06 November 2025 – COLS

BICON Watch – Weekly Case Updates

To support customs brokers and importers in staying ahead of operational changes, we're introducing a new weekly snapshot of BICON case updates issued in the past seven days. This section will highlight newly added conditions, revised import pathways, and notable treatment or permit changes that may affect lodgements and client advice.

Case Alerts:

Transitional period ending 12 November - khapra beetle treatment and phytosanitary requirements
Effective from 7 November 2025
On 28 May the department updated the phytosanitary requirements for pre-border khapra beetle treatments of high-risk plant products and sea containers.

Case Updates:

Update to the status of Solanum ptychanthum

Effective from 7 November 2025
Solanum ptychanthum has been added to the 'Permitted seed for sowing' and 'Raw seed for human consumption' BICON cases, as the department has assessed that this species is a synonym of Solanum americanum, which is currently included in these cases. As ...
Related Cases: Plant species that are weeds | Permitted seed for sowing | Raw seed for human consumption

Additional testing options for bovine pestivirus for bovine embryos from the USA(Important)

Effective from 7 November 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has published updates to the in vivo and in vitro bovine embryo import conditions from the United States of America. The veterinary certificates have been amended to include additional testing optio...
Related Cases: Bovine embryos

Updates to the 'Arecaceae (palms) (excl. Phoenix dactylifera) for use as nursery stock' BICON case

Effective from 5 November 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed a Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) for Heterospathe barfodii. The assessment confirms that Heterospathe barfodii is already present in Australia and is not subject to official control.
Related Cases: Arecaceae (palms) (excl. Phoenix dactylifera) for use as nursery stock

Removal of import permit requirement for Actinidia arguta and its synonyms

Effective from 5 November 2025
As previously advised, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed the risk assessment for Actinidia arguta as seed for sowing from all countries.
Related Cases: Actinidia spp. seed for sowing

Updates to species listings in the 'Palm seed for sowing' BICON case

Addition of newly assessed species to 'Medium risk plants for use as nursery stock' BICON case

Effective from 5 November 2025 Biosecurity Import Conditions
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed a Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) for several species. The assessment has determined that the species listed in the table below are permitted for import subject to the import conditions o...
Related Cases: Medium risk plants for use as nursery stock

Removal of Ziziphus jujuba from BICON case 'Fresh dates for human consumption'

Effective from 5 November 2025
Fresh jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as Chinese dates or red dates from China are permitted for import into Australia, under the BICON case . The listing of jujube under the BICON case 'Fresh dates for human consumption' has been removed.
Related Cases: Fresh dates (Phoenix dactylifera) for human consumption

New PCR test requirements for Olive leaf mottling virus in imported Olea spp. as nursery stock

Effective from 5 November 2025
Revised testing requirements for Olea (olive) nursery stock are in place to ensure import conditions are current and best able to protect Australian agriculture from plant pests and diseases of biosecurity concern.
Related Cases: Olea spp. (olives) for use as nursery stock

Updates to species listings in the 'Permitted seed for sowing' case

Effective from 5 November 2025
Species added to this case The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed a Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) for several species.
Related Cases: Actinidia spp. seed for sowing | Permitted seed for sowing

Updates to species listings in the 'Raw seed for human consumption' case

Changes to the BICON commodity case Pearls and oysters containing pearls(Important)

Effective from 4 November 2025 Biosecurity Import Conditions
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has made changes to the BICON commodity case Pearls and oysters containing pearls. • Import conditions for oysters in whole or half shell containing pearls have been included in the BICON case. ...
Related Cases: Pearls and oysters containing pearls

BICON cases regarding phytosanitary certificate requirements for fresh produce and cut flowers

Effective from 4 November 2025
BICON conditions for all horticulture and cut flower imports have been updated to include eCertificate requirements. This aligns with Australia's paperless certificate exchange arrangements with New?Zealand, the USA, Sri Lanka, and the Republic of Kore...
Related Cases: Mushroom spawn and/or cultures for propagation into Norfolk Island...

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 44 - 11112025 - sponsored by Sidelink Transport