| 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 opening of Round 4 of the Australian Government's $4 million Traceability Grants Program, reinforcing ongoing expectations around data integrity, traceability and end-to-end visibility. DAFF has also confirmed the finalisation of the Cargo Scheduling Policy, with legacy inspection access models to be phased out in favour of a consistent, volume-based framework.
Additional updates cover revised approved chemical lists for ornamental fish, expanded voluntary fumigation options for fresh cut flowers during peak periods, continued reinforcement of biosecurity response expectations for BMSB and container contamination, and strong National Residue Survey results for grains, underscoring Australia's reputation for high compliance and market access assurance.
We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - $4m Traceability Grants Open for Export Supply Chains
Applications are now open for Round 4 of the Australian Government's Traceability Grants Program, with $4 million available to support projects that enhance traceability across agricultural export supply chains.
Grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 will fund collaborative initiatives aligned with the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023–2033, including interoperable traceability systems, improved data collection to meet regulatory requirements, and education and awareness campaigns.
This program signals continued government focus on traceability, data integrity and end-to-end visibility in export supply chains, areas likely to influence future compliance expectations and system requirements. Applications close 18 February 2026. Read more HERE.
- Cargo Scheduling Policy Finalisation
FTA recently met with the Department regarding the finalisation and upcoming publication of the Cargo Scheduling Policy, which will introduce a consistent, equitable framework for scheduling biosecurity and imported food inspections.
Under previous operating models, some Approved Arrangement (AA) sites operated as manned depots or under permanent arrangements, providing regular access to departmental officers for biosecurity and imported food inspections. The Department has advised that these legacy concepts will be phased out under the new policy, with scheduling moving to a more contemporary and equitable framework. Access will be assessed consistently, based on factors such as volume, throughput, and operational need, rather than historical arrangements.
The policy will apply to both biosecurity and imported food inspections, with a separate Imported Food notice to be issued.
Approved Arrangement holders are encouraged to prepare early, ensure inspection volumes and operational requirements are clearly documented, and familiarise themselves with the new framework. For the broader industry, this update is provided as an awareness notice, noting that existing practices at regularly serviced sites may evolve.
DAFF will engage directly with arrangement holders ahead of implementation. FTA will continue to provide members with updates and practical guidance as further information becomes available. Read more HERE.
- Approved Chemicals for Ornamental Fish
DAFF has updated the Approved Chemicals for Ornamental Fish webpage, now live, affecting Class 7.1 Approved Arrangement holders, ornamental fish importers and departmental officers attending Class 7.1 sites.
The update improves policy clarity and introduces two separate pre-approved chemical lists, one for marine and freshwater ornamental fish excluding goldfish, and a second list covering goldfish as well as marine and freshwater species. Several newly reviewed and approved chemicals have also been added.
Industry participants involved in post-arrival quarantine are encouraged to review the updated lists to ensure treatments used during post-entry isolation remain compliant. 
Read more HERE.
- Voluntary Fumigation of Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage
The Department has advised that voluntary onshore fumigation will be available in 2026 for consignments of fresh cut flowers and foliage found to contain live insect pests, allowing release prior to entomologist identification during select peak periods and holidays. The arrangement applies during defined periods around Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter and Christmas, including specified weekends and nationally gazetted holidays. Voluntary fumigation is not available outside these nominated timeframes. Consignments containing snails or slugs, showing disease symptoms, or suspected of containing high priority pests are excluded and must wait for identification during normal business hours. Industry participants are reminded that overtime bookings may be requested to support assessment and release during peak periods, with applicable cut-off times and charges in line with the Charging Guidelines. Read more HERE.
- Biosecurity Reminder: What to Do When BMSB or Contamination Is Identified in Containers
The Department has requested continued industry support in reinforcing clear and consistent actions when Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) or other biosecurity contamination is identified across the containerised supply chain.
While not new, the Department's "See, Secure, Report" YouTube video remains relevant and continues to be used to reinforce core biosecurity expectations across industry. The video can be viewed here: Department of Agriculture – See, Secure, Report - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itByrBy9CwA
Drawing on established Department guidance and FTA training materials, the following See, Secure, Report approach should be followed immediately when contamination is suspected or detected.
1. See – Identify the Risk
Contamination may include live or dead insects (including BMSB), egg masses, larvae, plant material, soil, grain residues, timber pests or other foreign matter.
These are commonly found in: - Container floors, door recesses and roof panels
- Tyre slots and twist-locks
- Pallets, dunnage and packaging surfaces
Indicators may also include bore holes in timber, frass, staining or visible nesting material.
2. Secure – Contain the Biosecurity Risk
If contamination is identified: - Stop unpacking or handling activities immediately
- Secure the container or affected goods to prevent further spread
- Close container doors where safe to do so and restrict access
- Use plastic sheeting, bags or sealed containers to isolate contaminated material where possible
- Do not disturb, remove or attempt to treat the contamination unless directed by the Department
Well-packed cargo that allows safe access for inspection can significantly improve biosecurity outcomes and may support onshore treatment pathways where applicable.
3. Report – Notify the Department Without Delay
All suspected biosecurity risks must be reported promptly to the Department.
Reports should include: - Container number and current location
- Description of the contamination or pest
- Clear photographs where possible
- Details of any actions taken to secure the site
Early reporting is critical to managing risk, minimising delays and avoiding escalation or enforcement action.
Key Reminder for Industry
Containers, unpack facilities, warehouses, transport vehicles and packing sites all play a role in preventing the spread of pests and contamination. Early detection, correct containment and immediate reporting protect not only individual consignments, but Australia's broader biosecurity system.
FTA encourages members to ensure operational staff and clients remain familiar with contamination indicators and understand their obligations when a biosecurity risk is identified.
- Strong National Residue Survey Results for Grains (2024–25)
The National Residue Survey (NRS) has reported continued strong compliance outcomes for the 2024–25 period, with overall adherence to Australian pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs) at 99.6%.
The program, administered by the Department and funded through grain-producer levies, analysed 6,289 samples collected across domestic trade, container exports and bulk export supply chains. Compliance rates were recorded at 99.4% for domestic trade, 99% for container exports, and 99.8% for bulk exports.
The results reinforce Australia's strong reputation for good agricultural practice and support ongoing market access for grain exports, providing additional assurance to exporters, customs brokers and supply-chain participants operating in residue-sensitive markets. Grain Producers Australia noted the consistency of results reflects growers' commitment to correct and safe chemical use.
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