| 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 has released a series of updates impacting export operations, biosecurity settings and digital systems. Key changes include updates to the Plant Export Operations Manual to clarify inspection and sampling requirements for forest product exports, particularly for bulk log consignments and processed timber. In addition, DAFF has announced a change to the NEXDOC REX workflow, effective 23 March 2026, with departmental reviews now triggered at the certificate generation stage rather than at lodgement. This will allow exporters to preview and amend documentation prior to review, however industry is advised to allow sufficient time for processing at the final stage.
Further updates include confirmation that import requirements for companion cats and dogs from Middle East conflict-affected countries remain unchanged, with strict compliance still required. DAFF has also extended Xylella emergency measures to include banana (Musa spp.) nursery stock, requiring additional post-entry quarantine testing, and highlighted enhancements to Australia's animal disease preparedness through improved modelling of feral pig impacts on disease spread. The launch of ProviderHub marks a shift to a streamlined digital registration process for offshore treatment providers under the AusTreat scheme. Separately, recent media reporting on wood-boring pests in imported timber products serves as a reminder of ongoing biosecurity risks, reinforcing the need for vigilance across import supply chains. We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Update to Instructional Material for Inspecting Forest Products for Export
The Department has advised that the Exports Work Instruction: Inspecting Forest Products for Export within the Plant Export Operations Manual has been updated. The revisions provide further clarification on inspection and sampling requirements for forest product consignments destined for export.
Key updates include clearer guidance on log sampling from bulk vessel holds to ensure representative sampling of consignments, particularly where logs originate from multiple establishments or consist of mixed log types. The updated material also clarifies requirements relating to the treatment of bagged forest products, including where and when treatment must occur, as well as procedures for sampling and inspecting sawn timber and other processed timber consignments.
DAFF notes that authorised officers (AOs), registered establishment occupiers involved in packing or inspecting forest products, and treatment providers should review the updated instructional material and ensure compliance with the clarified requirements. The update forms part of the department's routine review of export policies and operational instructions to ensure they remain accurate, practical, and aligned with current export regulations. Read more HERE. - NEXDOC Document Review Process Update
DAFF has advised of a change to the NEXDOC REX document review workflow, which will take effect from 23 March 2026. The update changes the point in the process at which departmental reviews of REX submissions occur.
Under the new process, departmental reviews (where required) will be triggered when a user requests certificate generation, such as when selecting "Release to print" or when changing the print indicator from Manual/Hold to Automatic. This replaces the current process where reviews are triggered when the REX is lodged with the department, regardless of print status. As a result, users will now be able to preview certificates and make amendments prior to the REX being sent for departmental review.
Exporters and authorised users are advised to allow sufficient time for departmental review when requesting certificate generation, as processing will occur at the final stage of the workflow. The department has also noted that any REX entries expected to require review should be finalised to COMP status prior to 22 March 2026, otherwise an additional review may be required before a certificate can be generated.
DAFF has confirmed that the reasons a REX may require departmental review and the timing of REX authorisation remain unchanged. The update only affects when the review is triggered within the workflow. Read more HERE. - Import Requirements for Companion Cats and Dogs from Middle East Conflict-Affected Countries
The Department has issued guidance regarding the importation of companion cats and dogs from countries impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict. While acknowledging the difficult circumstances faced by individuals seeking to relocate with pets, the department has confirmed that Australia's biosecurity import requirements for cats and dogs remain unchanged.
All companion animals entering Australia must hold a valid biosecurity import permit and comply with all established import conditions, including disease management measures relating to risks such as rabies and leptospirosis, which remain endemic in parts of the Middle East. Animals arriving without the appropriate permit or failing to meet the import conditions will be considered non-compliant and may be subject to re-export or destruction upon arrival.
The Department continues to process import permit applications and encourages individuals affected by the conflict to contact DAFF directly to discuss their specific circumstances and available import options. Read more HERE. - Xylella Emergency Measures Extended to Musa (Banana) Nursery Stock
DAFF has extended Australia's emergency biosecurity measures for the bacterial pathogen Xylella to include Musa spp. (banana) plants imported as nursery stock, effective immediately. Under the updated measures, imported banana plants must undergo additional testing during the post-entry quarantine (PEQ) period to confirm they are free from Xylella.
The change follows recent scientific evidence identifying Musa plants as a potential host for the pathogen, prompting the department to expand risk management controls to maintain Australia's appropriate level of biosecurity protection. The requirement applies to new imports and consignments currently undergoing PEQ in Australia. DAFF will contact affected import permit holders and vary existing permits at no cost to reflect the new requirements.
Xylella remains Australia's highest priority plant pest, capable of infecting more than 700 plant species, with no known cure or effective eradication method if introduced. The Department has indicated it will continue monitoring scientific developments and may extend risk management measures to additional host species if required. Read more HERE. - Smarter Planning for Animal Disease Threats
The Department has highlighted new advancements in Australia's animal disease preparedness, focusing on improved modelling to manage the risks posed by major livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). While Australia's biosecurity system protects agricultural industries worth billions of dollars annually, a large-scale outbreak could have significant economic impacts, with potential costs estimated at up to $80 billion. A particular concern is the role of feral pigs, which can spread animal diseases unpredictably and complicate outbreak management.
To strengthen outbreak planning, DAFF has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to expand the Australian Animal Disease Spread (AADIS) model to include data on feral pig populations. Previously used to model diseases such as FMD and African Swine Fever (ASF), the enhanced AADIS tool allows authorities to better understand how feral pigs may influence disease spread.
Early modelling suggests that targeted feral pig management could reduce outbreak duration and limit livestock losses. The continued development of AADIS, which has now been adopted by more than 20 countries, reinforces Australia's leadership in disease modelling and supports faster response planning, helping safeguard agricultural industries and maintain Australia's reputation as a reliable global trading partner. Read more HERE. - ProviderHub Now Live for AusTreat Registrations
ProviderHub is now live. A new online platform for pre-border biosecurity treatment providers applying for registration under the AusTreat scheme. The system replaces the previous paper-based registration process, providing a more streamlined and efficient way for treatment providers and the department to manage registration information. Supporting guidance, including system access details and a Help Card, is now available on the AusTreat webpage.
ProviderHub currently supports registrations for fumigation treatments including methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, and ethyl formate. The department has indicated that heat treatment registrations are expected to be added to the platform in April 2026, while registrations for controlled atmosphere treatments will continue to use existing forms for the time being. The new platform is intended to improve processing times, enhance user experience, and modernise the management of offshore biosecurity treatment provider registrations. Read more HERE. - Imported Wooden Products and Biosecurity Risk
Recent media coverage has highlighted a potential biosecurity risk associated with imported wooden products after a shopper reportedly discovered signs of wood-boring insect activity in a set of imported coat hangers purchased from a major retailer. Authorities are investigating the discovery, which reportedly included holes and sawdust-like residue in the timber, typical indicators of wood-boring beetles. Such pests can cause significant damage if introduced into Australia and may impact homes, forestry and the environment.
The Department notes that even finished timber products can harbour pests in the egg or larval stage that are not immediately visible. Evidence of infestation may only appear later as holes, frass (sawdust), or insect activity once the product is in use. If exotic timber pests were to establish in Australia, they could pose risks to the forestry sector, agriculture and structural timber in homes and buildings.
What should industry and consumers do?
DAFF advises importers, retailers and consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected pest activity in imported timber or wooden products. Signs to look for include: - Small holes appearing in wooden products
- Sawdust or powder (frass) around the item
- Visible insects or larvae
- Unusual noises from inside timber
Where these signs are observed, the Department recommends reporting the issue through the national biosecurity hotline 1800 798 636 or via the online reporting system. Goods suspected of containing pests should be isolated and not disposed of until advice is received.
Industry takeaway:
While this case involves a retail product, it highlights the broader biosecurity risks associated with imported timber and wooden articles. Importers and supply chains should ensure products comply with Australian biosecurity import conditions and maintain appropriate quality and pest-control measures to minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests into Australia. |