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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 key updates include the expansion of the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) to new plant commodities, significant import controls following an African Swine Fever outbreak in Spain, practical system improvements for Approved Arrangement Class 19 operators, and the launch of a dedicated DAFF System Notifications webpage. The report also covers an extended consultation period on proposed changes to devitalisation requirements for fresh cut flower and foliage imports, with industry feedback continuing to play a critical role in shaping final policy outcomes.

This will be the final Biosecurity Report for the year, with the next edition scheduled for 6 January 2026. We hope you enjoy this week's report and wish all members a safe and happy festive season.

Summary

New Commodities Added to CBIS

From 10 December 2025, DAFF will expand the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) to include two new plant pathways:

Mushroom spawn and cultures for propagation – inspection intervention

Tariff code in scope: 0602.90

Processed nuts – documentation intervention

Tariff codes in scope: 0801.21, 0801.22, 0801.31, 0801.32, 0802, 0811.90, 0812.90, 0813.50, 20.07.99 and 20.08.19.

Importers and customs brokers will need to accurately answer new profile questions, declare correct tariff codes, and lodge complete documentation in COLS to qualify for reduced intervention. Entities with document failure rates above 20% will be excluded from CBIS benefits until compliance improves. Read more HERE.

ASF Outbreak in Spain

DAFF has confirmed an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Spain, triggering an immediate review of import permits and conditions for goods containing porcine material. Spain has now been removed from Australia's approved country list for Suid fluids and tissues, effective 27 October 2025.

This affects pet food, stock feed, laboratory goods, and veterinary/human therapeutics derived from Spanish pigs. Cured pork products (Iberian/Serano ham) remain permitted unless sourced from affected premises.

Goods already in transit will be assessed individually: product manufactured before 27 October 2025 may be released with evidence, while goods manufactured after that date may face refusal, re-export, or destruction. Permit holders should await departmental contact regarding any required amendments. Further updates will be provided through BICON and industry notices. Read more HERE.

Amendments to Class 19 Inspection & Treatment Locations

The Department has announced a practical improvement for Approved Arrangement Class 19 operators, effective 11 December 2025. Accredited persons will now be able to amend their approved inspection and treatment locations without triggering an ICS major amendment direction or biosecurity-held status. The system will automatically issue an updated direction, removing the need for departmental intervention.

This change follows long-standing FTA advocacy to reduce unnecessary administrative friction for low-risk adjustments. FTA continues to work with DAFF's STEPS Program to identify further modernisation opportunities across other operational settings. Read more HERE.

System Notifications Webpage Now Live

DAFF has launched a new System Notifications webpage, providing industry with a central location to view real-time updates on outages, maintenance and service disruptions affecting biosecurity import systems.

This improvement delivers clearer visibility of operational impacts and enables faster access to system status information in one dedicated location. Industry users are encouraged to bookmark the page and subscribe for updates. Find the webpage HERE.

BR Update: System-related notices will now be published under a dedicated System Notifications section, positioned further down this report, to improve visibility and consistency.

Review of Devitalisation Requirements for Fresh Cut Flower and Foliage Imports

The Department has advised that the public consultation period has been extended for the draft report reviewing devitalisation requirements for imported fresh cut flowers and foliage.
The draft report proposes removing the requirement for devitalisation on imported cut flowers. Originally released for consultation on 20 October 2025, the consultation period has now been extended by a further 60 calendar days, with submissions closing on 17 February 2026.

DAFF has advised that all stakeholder feedback received during the consultation period will be considered in the development of the final report. The review forms part of the department's broader biosecurity risk analysis process for plant pathways.

Stakeholders seeking ongoing updates are encouraged to subscribe to Biosecurity Risk Analysis – Plant notifications via DAFF's online subscription service. 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.

15 December 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:

5 December 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 402-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – Ecolab - Alabama (AEI: US4020SB)

Notices:

- Exports:

15 December 2025 : DAFF - EAN 2025/18 - Live Animal Exports general enquiries phone line over the Christmas period

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

- Imports:

15 December 2025 : DAFF Cargo Operations Snapshot - Week Commencing 15 December 2025
12 December 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 414-2025: Reminder - mandatory use of authorised version of the incoming traveller announcement and video

BICON Watch – Weekly Case Updates

To support customs brokers and importers in staying ahead of operational changes, we have introduced a 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:

Upcoming changes to Brucella canis import conditions for dogs

Effective from 13 December 2025
Biosecurity import conditions for the management of Brucella canis are being updated to align with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's policy review . The policy review determined that serological testing should occur at least one i...
Related Cases: Assistance dogs | Domestic dogs

Outbreak of African Swine Fever Virus (ASF) in Spain

Effective from 10 December 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has received an official report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Spain. The department is working to assess and manage the biosecurity...
Related Cases: Laboratory materials | Animal fluids and tissues (excluding viable reproductive material) | Pet food, pet food ingredients, and supplements for companion animals | Culture media

Case Updates:

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

Effective from 16 December 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed the risk assessment for Actinidia chinensis from all countries. Following the assessment, Actinidia chinensis and its synonyms have been added to the 'Raw seed for human consumption' B...
Related Cases: Raw seed for human consumption

· Addition of Actinidia chinensis to the Actinidia spp. seed for sowing case

Effective from 16 December 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed a risk assessment for Actinidia chinensis seeds for sowing from all countries. Following the assessment, Actinidia chinensis and its synonyms have been added to the existing 'Actinidia...
Related Cases: Actinidia spp. seed for sowing

· Addition of Permitted Countries list for Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) Peat pathways

Effective from 13 December 2025
A new list outlining permitted countries that are eligible for the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) for peat has been added to the Related Information section of the Peat case. The list includes countries declared free from foot-and-mouth di...
Related Cases: Peat

· Update to add a new case description and risk background and align treatment schedules)

Effective from 11 December 2025
Following internal review, the following changes take effect to the BICON case: • Updated the case description to ensure clearer understanding of what goods apply to the case. • Added in treatment rates where no rate was previously listed. Treatment...
Related Cases: Grape vine articles

· Changes to clarify bivalve mollusc products

Effective from 10 December 2025
The department has updated the definition of a bivalve mollusc product, to provide clarity on the scope of certification requirements. A bivalve mollusc product is a food containing 50% or more bivalve mollusc meat. The BICON food safety requirements...
Related Cases: Molluscs and mollusc products

· Addition of mushroom spawn and cultures for propagation to the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme

Effective from 10 December 2025
The department has added an additional plant pathway onto the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS). The pathway and intervention point being targeted is: • Mushroom spawn and cultures for propagation – Inspection intervention. To qualify for a...
Related Cases: Mushrooms for propagation

· Processed nuts are being added to the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS).

Effective from 10 December 2025
The department has added an additional plant pathway onto the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS). The pathway and intervention point being targeted is: Processed nuts – Documentation intervention. These changes apply to goods imported under ...
Related Cases: Processed nuts for human consumption | Pine nuts for human consumption

· New case Goods for animal consumption

Effective from 9 December 2025
A new case has been developed for unrestricted animal consumption use, including import conditions for bony fish and cephalopods, fish oils, and marine molluscs (excluding oysters and snails). If users cannot meet the conditions in the 'Goods for anim...
Related Cases: Aquaculture feed and aquatic meals | Baits, lures and fishing flies for aquatic use | Goods for animal consumption | Stockfeed, stockfeed ingredients and stockfeed additives | Pet fish food | Pet food, pet food ingredients, and supplements for companion animals

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 49 - 16122025 - sponsored by TaluxIQ