| 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 updates highlight a continued focus on improving regulatory clarity, system usability, and operational efficiency across the biosecurity and export landscape. Notable changes include enhancements to the Biosecurity Portal with the introduction of military-specific inspection types, alongside broader digital transformation initiatives aimed at modernising departmental systems and addressing ICT capability gaps. These developments are designed to streamline processes for industry while supporting more effective resource planning and service delivery. From a risk and market access perspective, industry is navigating a number of evolving global conditions. The removal of Greece from Australia's FMD-free country list reinforces the importance of supply chain vigilance, while ongoing disruptions across Middle East export markets are driving the need for flexibility, including consignment redirection and certification amendments. At the same time, updates to labelling requirements, export accreditation processes and extended biosecurity determinations emphasise the need for continued compliance. We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Dairy Export Update: New China Labelling Requirements
The Department has advised of new labelling requirements for dairy and other pre-packaged food exports to China, following the release of China's updated standard GB 7718-2025 – General Principles for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods. The new standard, to be read in conjunction with associated administrative measures issued by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), will come into effect on 16 March 2027, replacing the existing GB 7718-2011 standard.
Key changes include updated allergen and ingredient labelling requirements, revised date marking rules, and the introduction of digital labelling recommendations. Notably, production and expiry dates must be clearly displayed in a standardised YYYY/MM/DD format and must not be altered or separated from the packaging. Exporters are encouraged to work closely with importers to ensure compliance ahead of implementation. The department has indicated that MICoR will be updated to reflect these changes. Read more HERE. - Biosecurity Education Update: New Junior Biosecurity Officer Resources Released
DAFF has released new teaching resources under its Junior Biosecurity Officer (JBO) program, aimed at improving biosecurity awareness among primary school students. The updated materials include interactive presentations, virtual excursions and curriculum-linked lesson plans designed to demonstrate how Australia's biosecurity system operates and the role individuals play in managing risks. The resources provide practical, real-world insights by taking students through biosecurity environments such as international mail facilities, airports and post-entry quarantine sites. The initiative supports early education on pest and disease prevention, reinforcing the importance of protecting Australia's agriculture, environment and way of life. If you have young children, this is a fantastic initiative to explore. My 7-year-old thoroughly enjoyed the activities, particularly the Junior Biosecurity Officer certificate, which made the experience both engaging and educational at home. Read more HERE. - Applications for Export of Cucurbits to New Zealand - 2026 Season
DAFF has advised that applications are now open for the accreditation of farms and packhouses intending to export cucurbits to New Zealand for the 2026 season. A key change is the introduction of a single application process covering both Winter Window (WW) and non-WW export periods, replacing the previous dual-notice system. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm AEST, 10 April 2026, with late submissions not accepted. Accredited properties will be subject to audit, with new applicants requiring pre-season audits to verify compliance with protocol requirements.
The New Zealand Export Plan (NZEP) continues to mandate accreditation for farms and packhouses undertaking in-field controls for pests such as cucumber fruit fly and melon thrips. Additional state-based requirements apply, including Pest Free Place of Production (PFPP) accreditation for Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV), limiting eligible export regions to Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Crop monitors must complete annual training by 17 April 2026, and exporters must ensure sourcing from accredited farms and provide supporting certification when requesting phytosanitary documentation. The update reinforces compliance obligations across the supply chain to meet New Zealand's import requirements. Read more HERE. - Middle East Export Disruptions and Consignment Redirection
The Department has issued consolidated guidance across multiple Market Access Advice notices advising of ongoing disruptions to exports to Middle East markets due to the current geopolitical situation. The advice impacts a broad range of commodities including seafood, dairy, eggs, meat products, inedible animal products, non-prescribed goods, and organic/bio-dynamic products. Exporters with consignments in transit, or goods produced for Middle East markets, may need to arrange return to Australia or redirect shipments to alternative markets.
The department is working with exporters to support redirection efforts, with a strong emphasis on ensuring compliance with importing country requirements via MICoR and engagement with overseas authorities where required. Where consignments are redirected, amendments to export certification will be necessary, including RFP amendments for meat products and replacement certificates via NEXDOC for dairy, eggs and fish. Exporters managing returned or distressed cargo are encouraged to contact the relevant departmental mailboxes and provide detailed consignment information to facilitate assistance. Read more HERE – MAA2026-01, MAA2026-05 & MAA2026-03. - Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Situation in Greece
DAFF has advised that Greece has reported an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) on 17 March 2026. Following a departmental risk assessment, Greece is no longer considered FMD-free, effective from 15 February 2026, and has been removed from Australia's FMD-free country list and relevant casing import lists.
The change impacts a broad range of goods derived from FMD-susceptible species (including cattle, sheep, pigs, deer and camelids), such as dairy products (including cheese), meat products carried by passengers or mail, animal casings, reproductive materials, pet food and stock feed, veterinary therapeutics, and laboratory materials. Certain goods may still be permitted under strict conditions, including ripened cheese with a valid import permit and specific processing requirements, as well as low-risk dairy products.
For goods currently in transit, consignments manufactured prior to 15 February 2026 may be released subject to sufficient evidence, while goods produced after this date may be refused entry and directed for re-export or destruction. The department will contact affected import permit holders directly regarding ongoing arrangements, and importers and brokers are encouraged to seek advice prior to shipping affected goods to Australia. Read more HERE. - Changes to determinations made under section 174 of the Biosecurity Act 2015
The Attorney-General has issued the Legislation (Biosecurity Goods Determinations) Sunset-altering Declaration 2026, aligning the sunsetting dates for all determinations made under section 174 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 to 1 October 2031.
This includes determinations applying to: - Torres Strait
- Christmas Island
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Norfolk Island
- Australian mainland (Conditionally Non-prohibited Goods Determination 2021)
There are no changes to import conditions or requirements. All determinations remain in effect and continue to operate as usual.
The extension provides additional time for the Department and the Department of Health to undertake a review of the regulatory framework for imported goods. The review aims to streamline requirements, reduce regulatory burden and improve efficiency.
Industry should continue to comply with existing import conditions and monitor upcoming consultation opportunities.
What happens next? - Initial reform options are expected by end-2026, with stakeholder consultation to follow
- Updates to the Biosecurity (Conditionally Non-prohibited Goods) Determination 2021 are expected by mid-2026
Read more HERE. - Recruitment of New CIO to Address ICT Technical Debt
The Department has commenced recruitment for a new Chief Information Officer (CIO) following the departure of its previous CIO to the Australian Taxation Office. The role will lead the department's Digital Services Division, which is responsible for overseeing DAFF's ICT environment and digital service delivery.
The incoming CIO will play a key role in delivering DAFF's 10-year digital sustainment investment roadmap, aimed at addressing what has been described as "compounding ICT technical debt" and modernising the department's technology landscape. The reform agenda focuses on building a more secure, resilient and fit-for-purpose digital architecture to better support both departmental operations and industry engagement.
The position is expected to drive ICT transformation across the department, including improving system performance, strengthening digital capability, and ensuring long-term sustainability of critical platforms. This initiative reflects DAFF's broader strategy to modernise its IT systems and enhance service delivery to stakeholders across the biosecurity and trade sectors. - Biosecurity Portal – Military Inspections
DAFF has advised that, effective 23 March 2026, the Biosecurity Portal has been updated to include dedicated military inspection types. The update impacts approved arrangement operators, customs brokers, importers and freight forwarders involved in managing biosecurity inspections through the portal.
The newly introduced inspection types will carry a clear 'Military' prefix, allowing Defence personnel, military importers and brokers to more accurately select the appropriate inspection at the time of lodgement. This enhancement is intended to improve the identification, management and reporting of military-specific inspections, while supporting more efficient operational planning and resource allocation by the department.
Industry participants are encouraged to ensure the correct inspection type is selected prior to lodgement to avoid processing delays. Further information is available via the department's Military Operations Section. Read more HERE. |