| 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 edition of the Biosecurity Report brings together key developments across biosecurity policy, system modernisation and operational reform. Updates include consultation progress on the Khapra Beetle Draft PRA, the transition to NEXDOC for meat export documentation, and the commencement of new pre-arrival reporting requirements for non-scheduled flights.
Industry should also note clarified wording in electronic biosecurity notices, updated Brucella Canis import conditions for live dogs, and confirmation that the Inspector-General of Biosecurity will review documentation requirements supporting biosecurity assessment. The report also highlights frontline biosecurity operations through the detector dog program and showcases ongoing research initiatives strengthening Australia's plant biosecurity capability. We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Khapra Beetle Draft PRA (Part 1) – Resources Now Available
Stakeholders who were unable to attend the recent khapra beetle Draft Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) information sessions (Part 1) can now access session resources online. The Department has published the session recording and consolidated questions and answers on its website. Copies of the presentation slides are also available upon request via email.
Consultation for Part 1 closes Friday, 27 February 2026, with stakeholders encouraged to provide feedback through the Have Your Say webpage. Submissions received will inform preparation of the final PRA report.
For further information, contact: plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.
- NEXDOC Meat Registrations Now Open
The Department has announced that registrations are now open in the NEXDOC system for meat export documentation, marking a key step in the transition from EXDOC. Exporters, third-party software users and current AQA (RFP Validator) users must complete the relevant registrations to continue lodging, declaring and managing meat export documentation once the transition occurs.
This includes establishing an Online Services account, registering as an Exporter and/or Client Group (where third-party software is used), and applying for Approved Export Permit Declarant (AEPD) status where authorisation functions are required. Existing EXDOC AQA IDs will not transfer to NEXDOC.
The Department has advised that transition timing will be confirmed shortly and encourages industry to commence registrations early to avoid delays. Users should also ensure compatibility with system requirements, noting certificates will be issued on plain paper with QR codes, and that Chrome or Edge browsers must be used to access the NEXDOC portal.
Further guidance materials, help guides and webinar details will be released to support industry ahead of go-live. Support enquiries: NEXDOC@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.
- New Pre-Arrival Reporting Obligations for Non-Scheduled Flights Have Commenced
Amended pre-arrival reporting obligations under the Biosecurity Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2025 take effect from 27 February 2026, applying to all international non-scheduled flights arriving in Australian territory. Operators must now submit a Non-Scheduled Pre-Arrival Report (NSPAR) prior to the aircraft departing its last overseas port, unless an exception applies. This introduces a formalised pre-flight reporting requirement specific to non-scheduled movements.
In-flight reporting via the General Pre-Arrival Report (GPAR) remains in place but is now aligned with scheduled flight settings. Submission at top of descent is only required where biosecurity risk events occur (e.g. listed human disease symptoms, death onboard, presence of animals or plants in the cabin, animal mortality, or incomplete aircraft disinsection).
Compliance and enforcement provisions apply for failures to meet the new requirements. The Department has released a dedicated NSPAR online form to support consistent reporting, with stakeholders encouraged to submit the form to the relevant Biosecurity Airport Contact prior to departure. Read more HERE.
- Celebrating the Next Generation of Plant Biosecurity Scientists
The Department has highlighted its ongoing commitment to strengthening Australia's plant biosecurity capability through the Investing in Australia's Plant Biosecurity Scientists event. Delivered in partnership with the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity, the event showcased innovative research from PhD students and early career researchers focused on early detection, diagnostics, surveillance and pest risk prioritisation.
Research presented covered critical areas including fruit fly biomarker identification, spider mite egg detection during import, plant disease diagnostics in tissue culture, genomic tracing of pest provenance, locust gene targeting, and development of proof-of-freedom surveillance systems.
The initiative reinforces collaboration between government, academia and industry to address emerging biosecurity threats and protect Australia's agriculture, environment and trade. DAFF emphasised that investing in research capability today strengthens national preparedness against future pest and disease incursions, maintaining confidence in Australia's biosecurity system and international market access. Read more HERE.
- Clarifying Text Added to Electronic Biosecurity Notices – No Change to Process
DAFF has advised that clarifying text is being added to certain notices issued through its electronic systems to assist import participants in understanding when a biosecurity direction or requirement to provide documents takes effect. Importantly, there are no changes to the import clearance process, nor to industry rights or responsibilities.
Under the updated wording, notices will clarify that a direction comes into effect: - Immediately, if the goods are already subject to biosecurity control at the time the notice is issued; or
- Immediately upon the goods becoming subject to biosecurity control, if the notice was issued prior to arrival in Australian territory.
The notice also reiterates that goods become subject to biosecurity control when the aircraft or vessel carrying them enters Australian territory, as defined under sections 9 and 12 of the Biosecurity Act 2015. These amendments are being introduced for clarity and consistency as part of ongoing digitisation and modernisation initiatives under the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) program.
Participants who have questions regarding the updated wording can contact the Department on 1800 900 090. Read more HERE.
- Inspector-General of Biosecurity to Review Documentation Requirements for Biosecurity Assessment
FTA met with the Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) and senior representatives from the Office of the IGB to discuss emerging industry concerns and upcoming review activity. The IGB has confirmed that a formal review into documentation requirements supporting biosecurity assessment will commence in the first quarter of 2026.
Scope of the Review:
The review will examine whether current documentation requirements: - Effectively support biosecurity risk assessment and regulatory compliance
- Can be reliably interpreted and completed by stakeholders, including where third parties may have limited technical expertise
- Create risks, gaps, ambiguities or unintended regulatory burdens
Discussions highlighted practical industry concerns, particularly where documentation complexity, inconsistent interpretation or system design issues may result in compliance exposure, operational delays or increased costs.
Industry Engagement:
FTA will work closely with the Office of the IGB throughout the review process. Members will be invited to provide case studies and evidence, including: - Examples of documentation ambiguity or interpretive inconsistency
- Instances where requirements may exceed biosecurity risk outcomes
- Evidence of delays, rework, increased costs or unintended compliance exposure
- Practical reform suggestions to improve clarity and regulatory effectiveness
Further details on consultation processes and submission timeframes will be circulated once formally released. Members are encouraged to begin documenting relevant operational examples in preparation for consultation.
FTA will continue to advocate for regulatory settings that are risk-based, practical and proportionate, while maintaining Australia's strong biosecurity framework. Read more HERE.
- Inside the World of DAFF Biosecurity Detector Dog Handlers
The Department has released a new video highlighting the critical frontline role of its biosecurity detector dog handlers. Operating across airports, seaports and international mail centres, handlers work alongside highly trained detector dogs to screen passengers, baggage, cargo and mail for biosecurity risk material. Their work plays a key role in protecting Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries, collectively worth more than $100 billion, as well as safeguarding environmental, plant, animal and human health. New handlers undertake structured training, beginning with foundational biosecurity education followed by a 12-week development program. Training includes practical dog handling skills, real-world screening experience and ongoing exercises to ensure dogs remain proficient in detecting a wide range of risk commodities. DAFF's video series will continue to showcase the people behind the detector dog program and the vital work they perform in safeguarding Australia's biosecurity system. Watch the video HERE.
- Updates to Brucella Canis Import Conditions for Live Dogs
DAFF has updated import conditions for Brucella Canis effective 2 March 2026, impacting importers, pet transport agents and veterinarians preparing dogs for export to Australia. To better manage biosecurity risk, dogs must now either: - Be desexed (bilateral ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy for females or bilateral orchiectomy for males), or
- Test negative for Brucella canis within 45 days before export, with no mating or insemination occurring from at least 21 days before blood collection until export.
The clarified requirements align with existing policy settings and reflect the approximately 21-day incubation period for infection. Dogs with import permits issued before 2 March 2026 must meet the conditions stated on their individual permit. Non-compliant dogs will be subject to onshore testing and quarantine, with all associated costs borne by the owner. Read more HERE. |