SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

BIERS Platform Sets New Standard for Biosecurity Compliance in Australia

For more information or to see a demonstration, Contact Andrew Christie on 0409447987 or andrew@andrewchristieconsulting.com.au

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 is led by proposed changes to biosecurity and imported food cost recovery arrangements, with DAFF outlining indexation of most charges, new regulatory fees and phased improvements to diagnostic cost recovery from 2026–27, subject to consultation and government approval.

The report also includes two import-specific updates, with new BICON conditions published for fresh pomelos from Viet Nam and confirmation that Moringa oleifera is not permitted for import as a food or food ingredient following the rejection of its novel food application

Summary

Proposed Changes to Biosecurity and Imported Food Cost Recovery Charges (Commencing 2026–27)

DAFF has released proposed changes to biosecurity and imported food regulatory fees and charges as part of its annual cost recovery review for the 2026–27 financial year, aimed at better aligning charges with the cost of delivering regulatory services.

The proposed changes include indexation of most existing cost recovery charges, targeted price increases where charging gaps have been identified, and the introduction of new charges for specific regulatory activities, including imported live garden snails housed at the Post Entry Quarantine facility. Legislative amendments are also proposed to improve the effectiveness of current cost recovery arrangements, including revisions to provisions applying to avian imports and the removal of redundant charging provisions.

The department has also outlined phased improvements to cost recovery for biosecurity diagnostic services, following a review that identified some diagnostic activities as currently uncharged or only partially cost recovered. Subject to government approval, new charges for diagnostic activities associated with international vessels are proposed to commence from 1 July 2026, with revised fee structures for most diagnostic activities undertaken for imported cargo proposed from 1 November 2026. These changes were delayed from an earlier proposed commencement to allow for system improvements and to better accommodate the complexity of import pathways.

Detailed information on the proposed 2026–27 rates and diagnostic cost recovery reforms is available through the department's Have Your Say consultation platform, which closes at 5:00pm AEST on Tuesday 5 May 2026. Read more HERE.

Import Conditions Published for Fresh Pomelos from Viet Nam

DAFF has confirmed that import conditions for fresh pomelo fruit from Viet Nam, intended for human consumption, have now been formally published in BICON, with effect from 10 April 2026.

The conditions are based on the final biosecurity import requirements report for pomelos from Viet Nam and set out the approved import pathway, certification, inspection and treatment requirements that must be met prior to shipment. The publication of the BICON case provides regulatory clarity for importers seeking market access for this commodity.

Importers and customs brokers should review the applicable BICON conditions carefully and ensure all documentation and pre-arrival requirements are met, as consignments that do not comply may be subject to treatment, delay, or refusal of entry. Read more HERE.

Moringa oleifera Confirmed as Not Permitted for Import (Novel Food Rejection)

DAFF has confirmed that Moringa oleifera (including leaves, immature pods and oil) is not permitted for import as a food or food ingredient, following Food Standards Australia New Zealand's (FSANZ) rejection of its novel food application.

FSANZ determined that there was insufficient and inconclusive scientific evidence to establish the safety of Moringa oleifera for human consumption under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. As a result, the product is not approved as a novel food and is not listed in Schedule 25 of the Code.

Any consignments referred to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme containing Moringa oleifera will be failed at the border and directed for export or destruction at the importer's expense. Importers and customs brokers are reminded to verify proposed food ingredients against Schedule 25 prior to shipment to avoid non-compliant imports. Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

13 April 2026 Report LOGIN REQUIRED

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. GST) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

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 of 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:

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

AFAS is a bilateral arrangement between DAFF and participating overseas government agencies. AFAS manages the high biosecurity risk posed by ineffective treatments performed offshore.

Treatment providers registered and listed as approved is available on the List of treatment providers.

- Recent Reviews and/or Suspensions:

24 March 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 49-2026: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – Strike Fumigation & Pest Control Pte Limited Suva Branch (AEI: FJ0016MB])

Notices:

- Exports:

7 April 2026 : DAFF - EAN 2026/07: Export cost recovery implementation statement 2026–27 – 12 month deferral

To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.

- Imports:

8 April 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 52-2026: Supporting biosecurity clearance of critical imports
8 April 2026 : DAFF - ABA 2026-A01: Review of segregation process in class 3.2 approved arrangements for imported pig meat
10 April 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 53-2026: Import conditions for fresh pomelos from Viet Nam now published in BICON
14 April 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 54-2026: Changes to biosecurity and imported food cost recovery charges

- System Notifications:

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:

Changes to biosecurity and imported food cost recovery charges

Effective from 13 April 2026
Changes to regulatory charging in 2026-27: The department reviews fees and charges annually, to support continued alignment with the cost of delivering biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities.

Case Changes:

Import conditions for fresh pomelos from Viet Nam now published

Effective from 10 April 2026
Import conditions to import fresh pomelo fruit from Viet Nam, for human consumption, are now published on BICON.
The import conditions are based on the Pomelos fruit from Vietnam: biosecurity import requirements final report

Rejection of Moringa oleifera as a novel food

Effective from 8 April 2026
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has rejected an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to permit the use of Moringa oleifera?leaf (fresh and dried), immature (green) pods and oil as a novel food or food ingredient.

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.

Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG)

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.

Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA

Copyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.

FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 15 - 14042026 - sponsored by B.I.E.R.S.

Proposed Changes to Biosecurity and Imported Food Cost Recovery Charges (Commencing 2026–27)