FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 14 - 07042026 - sponsored by WiseTech Academy

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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

• Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Advisory Panel – Chair's Note

The Chair of the Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Advisory Panel has released a summary of the Panel's first meeting for 2026, outlining key discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on biosecurity funding, cost recovery, regulatory reform and future priorities.

The update provides insight into the department's financial outlook for biosecurity, proposed changes to export cost recovery arrangements, and progress on the national biosecurity reform agenda, including planned consultation with industry stakeholders. Read more HERE. 

• Sheep & Goat Exports to Malaysia - Korban 2026

DAFF has released a recent notice advising exporters of strengthened requirements and expectations for sheep and goat exports to Malaysia in the lead-up to the Korban festival (expected to commence 27 May 2026), a period historically associated with increased animal welfare and traceability risks. ALEC has reaffirmed its policy not to export sheep or goats to Malaysia in the six weeks prior (15 April – 28 May 2026), however exporters who intend to proceed during this period will be required to submit a detailed Korban management plan. This plan must address supply chain controls, risk mitigation, animal welfare measures, and contingency arrangements, with all consignments assessed on a case-by-case basis.

From an operational perspective, this reinforces that peak demand periods do not reduce compliance expectations. Exporters should be prepared for heightened oversight under ESCAS, particularly around traceability, in-market controls, and slaughter practices, with a clear expectation to demonstrate proactive risk management, strong governance, and the ability to maintain control across the supply chain during high-risk periods. Read more HERE. 

• Abalone from Tasmania - Sourcing/Harvesting Restrictions

Updated sourcing and harvesting restrictions now apply to Tasmanian abalone exports, effective from 18 March 2026, with catch zone 30A reopening while a number of other zones remain closed. Exporters can only source from zones that are open under Tasmanian fisheries regulations, and product from closed catch blocks must not enter the export supply chain. With multiple blocks maintaining mixed open/closed status, verifying harvest origin prior to export becomes critical.

From an operational perspective, this reinforces the importance of traceability and accurate documentation across the export pathway. Exporters are required to record harvest block details on Declarations of Compliance and include a declaration confirming the product was not sourced from biotoxin-affected areas. Issued under Section 305 of the Export Control Act 2020, the direction highlights continued regulatory focus on provenance, food safety, and supply chain integrity, with greater emphasis on upstream verification before export certification. Read more HERE.

• Plant Exports – Updates to Registered Establishment Instructional Material

DAFF has released an update to the Exports Policy: Management of plant export registered establishments within the Plant Export Operations Manual, providing clearer and more detailed operational guidance for plant exporters, registered establishment occupiers and Authorised Officers (AOs). The revisions focus on key export pathways including logs to China, ware potatoes to the Republic of Korea, and the handling of fruit fly pest free area (PFA) product.

For log exports to China, the department has formalised requirements for establishments seeking approval to host inspections and fumigation activities. This includes expanded guidance on application requirements, Grain and Seed Exports Program (GSEP) approvals for AOs and fumigators, audit processes, and ongoing compliance expectations, as well as updates to the list of registered establishment functions. In relation to ware potatoes exported to Korea, new requirements apply to Victorian establishments handling product grown in other states, including the need for departmental approval and strengthened traceability through transfer records from farm to washing facilities. Structural requirements for handling and packing fruit fly PFA product outside of a pest free area have also been clarified, with an emphasis on ensuring appropriate insect-proofing of facilities.

Overall, these updates reinforce a continued move toward more explicit, standardised and auditable requirements at the establishment level. While the policy settings themselves are not new, the level of detail around approval pathways, audit expectations and traceability has increased. Establishment occupiers should review the updated material and ensure their procedures, infrastructure and documentation align with the clarified requirements, noting that compliance remains an ongoing obligation supported by evidence and operational consistency. Read more HERE. 

• ABARES Essentials Outlook

The Department has released its latest ABARES Essentials outlook, highlighting the continued strength and resilience of Australia's agricultural sector despite ongoing global uncertainty. The data shows the sector has grown significantly over time, with total agricultural, fisheries and forestry production increasing by around 45% over the past 20 years, reaching over $100 billion in value. Export performance remains a defining feature, with approximately 71% of Australia's agricultural production exported, and total export value increasing by around 60% over the same period to roughly $75–80 billion annually. Key export commodities such as wheat, beef and canola continue to show high export shares, reinforcing Australia's reliance on global markets.

Productivity improvements also underpin this growth, with long-term farm productivity increasing by around 1% per year in broadacre industries, supported by technology adoption and improved farm management practices. At a commodity level, grains, oilseeds and pulses have been among the fastest-growing export segments, reflecting shifting production patterns and global demand trends.

While largely strategic in nature, the outlook provides important context for current export conditions. It highlights the scale, export dependence and productivity-driven growth of the sector, reinforcing the need for efficient, compliant and adaptable export supply chains in an environment shaped by geopolitical disruption, evolving market access requirements and increasing regulatory complexity. Read more HERE. 

• Moringa Oleifera (Novel Food Rejection)

The Department has released Imported Food Notice 05-26 advising that Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree leaves) is not permitted for import as a food or food ingredient following FSANZ's rejection of its novel food application. The assessment identified potential safety concerns and insufficient data to confirm the product's safety, meaning it is not approved under the Food Standards Code. As a result, any consignments referred under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme will be failed at the border.

Key Updates:
• Moringa oleifera is not permitted as food or as a food ingredient for retail sale.
• Imports referred to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme will be failed at the border.
• FSANZ assessed immature seed pods and seed oil as a novel food and identified potential safety concerns.
• Insufficient and inconclusive data meant safety could not be confirmed.
• Novel foods must be assessed and approved before being permitted for sale in Australia and New Zealand.
• The decision reinforces the requirement for robust scientific evidence to support novel food applications.
• If not listed in Schedule 25 of the Food Standards Code, imports will be rejected and must be exported or destroyed.

Customs brokers and importers should ensure ingredients are verified against Schedule 25 prior to shipment, as non-compliant goods will be directed for export or destruction at the importer's expense. Read more HERE.

• Export Cost Recovery Implementation Statement 2026–27 – 12 Month Deferral

The Australian Government has announced a 12-month deferral to the transition toward full cost recovery for export regulatory services, pushing the commencement from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027. The decision reflects ongoing pressures on Australian producers and exporters, particularly in light of disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

In the interim, 2025–26 CRIS pricing will largely remain in place, with the government continuing to subsidise the gap to maintain service delivery. While the broader reform timeline remains unchanged, with full cost recovery still scheduled for 1 July 2029, this deferral provides short-term financial relief and greater stability for industry participants. Updated pricing for 2026–27 through to 2029–30 will be released in the final CRIS documents by 1 July 2026. Read more HERE. 

Impacts:
For exporters and supply chain participants, this means no immediate increase in regulatory costs from July 2026, allowing more time to plan for the eventual shift to full cost recovery. However, the direction of reform remains firm, reinforcing the need for businesses to prepare for a progressively user-pays export system over the coming years.

We hope you enjoy this week's report. 

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

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 o f 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. The next meeting is scheduled for the 30th of April 2026. 

Following are the latest DCCC Meeting minutes, communiques and papers:

• Meeting 102 2025 – Communique (PDF 197 KB)
• Meeting 102 2025 – Minutes (PDF 311 KB)

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

- Imports:

1 April 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-05: Abalone from Tasmania: sourcing/harvesting restrictions

- System Notifications:
 

1 April 2026 : DAFF - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) Messaging
1 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 57-2026: Services Restored: Wednesday 01 April 2026 – COLS, PEBS, MARS, OPS 
1 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 58-2026: Unplanned Service Disruption: Wednesday 01 April 2026 – Biosecurity Portal (Digital Identity)
1 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 59-2026: Unplanned Service Disruption: Wednesday 01 April 2026 – AIMS 
2 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 60-2026: Services Restored: Thursday 02 April 2026 – AIMS 
2 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 61-2026: Services Restored: Thursday 02 April 2026 – Biosecurity Portal (Digital Identity)
2 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 62-2026: Scheduled Outage: Tuesday 07 April to Wednesday 08 April 2026 - PEBS 
7 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 63-2026: Unplanned Service Disruption: Saturday 04 April 2026 – Biosecurity Portal
 

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: 

·       Updates to List of Target-risk khapra beetle countries & Trogoderma Species of Biosecurity Concern

Effective from 7 April  2026 

This notification is to advise that the following changes will be implemented, in line with the recommendations of the Draft Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Khapra Beetle (Part 1), effective from 30 April 2026:

• Change 1: Updating Australia's 'List of Target-risk khapra beetle countries' to include 8 additional countries: Angola, Chad, Guinea, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Turkmenistan
• Change 2: Updating Australia's 'List of Trogoderma Species of Biosecurity Concern' to remove Trogoderma serraticorne.

Case Changes: 

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.
 

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.