FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2026/32 - sponsored by Intreso Group | eFume

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 saw a continued focus on biosecurity risk management, import pathway reforms and industry preparedness ahead of the 2026-27 BMSB season. Industry participants were reminded of the availability of eFume ® (ethyl formate) as an alternative offshore treatment option for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug under the AustTreat scheme, providing a new fumigation pathway alongside existing treatment options.

DAFF released a range of import updates, including additions to the BICON Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and infectious Agents, revised import conditions for processed peanuts, and the rollout of AAMP through the TradeClear Portal, and advice that Australian Defence Force (ADF) military consignments are now to be lodged through Cargo Online Lodgement Systems (COLS). Biosecurity controls were also strengthened following an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Finland, resulting in restrictions on certain pig derived imports. Compliance activities continued with the suspension of two offshore treatment providers from the approved treatment provider scheme.

Export activity remained relatively light, with market access advice focused on Indonesia's Halal Law requirements and Malaysia's import requirements for non-prescribed goods containing dairy ingredients.

This week's new BICON Watch highlights included updates to laboratory microorganisms import settings, simplified tariff code mappings, revised peanut import conditions, ASF related import restrictions, and changes to the Pet Fish Foods case as part of DAFF's ongoing efforts to streamline import pathways.

Industry participants were also advised of several planned system outages and service disruptions affecting BICON, COLS and other DAFF messaging services, reinforcing the need to monitor operational notices and plan lodgements ahead of scheduled maintenance windows.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.

Summary

INTRESO eFUME For BMSB

Industry participants were reminded that ethyl formate (eFUME ® Active) combined with carbon dioxide has been approved as a new offshore biosecurity treatment option for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) under the AusTreat scheme. Available from 1 September 2025, the treatment provides an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation and is promoted as a faster acting, environmentally friendly solution with no withholding period and minimal residue concerns. DAFF will initially permit offshore use during the BMSB risk season, with onshore treatment options expected to follow. Treatment providers wishing to undertake eFUME ® treatments must be registered under the AusTreat program.

Read more HERE

Import Updates

DAFF issued several import related updates this week, including the addition of new organisms to the BICON Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and Infectious Agents and advance industry engagement for the 2026-27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season.

The department also announced revised import conditions for processed peanuts and introduced AAMP access via the TradeClear Portal. Biosecurity measures were strengthened following the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Finland, resulting in restrictions on imports of certain pig derived products.

In compliance related developments, DAFF suspended Fumichem Pte Ltd and Protecis Pest Control GmbH from the approved treatment provider scheme.
 

Export Updates

Export activity was relatively light this week, with DAFF issuing market access advice notices relating to Indonesia's Halal Law requirements for fish, fish products and edible non-prescribed goods. In addition, guidance was provided on Malaysia's import requirements for non prescribed goods containing dairy ingredients. Exporters to these markets should review the updated requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
 

System Notifications - Planned Outages

Several DAFF system notifications were issued during the week, advising industry participants of both scheduled outages and unplanned service disruptions affecting key biosecurity and cargo processing systems. An unplanned disruption on 7 August impacted Carnet lodgements in COLS, while scheduled outages were advised for BICON (7 to 8 August) and COLS (9 August). DAFF also issued advance notice of a broader maintenance window from 8 to 9 August 2026 affecting DAFF messaging services and multiple associated systems. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor DAFF communications and plan lodgements and reporting activities around these maintenance periods to minimise operational impacts and potential processing delays.

BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates 

DAFF issued several significant BICON updates this week, including changes to import conditions, biosecurity settings and system functionality. The department expanded its Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and Infectious Agents, adding new approved organisms and updating existing import permits at no cost to affected permit holders.

A new African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Finland has resulted in Finland being removed from Australia's approved country lists for pig meat and certain pig derived products, impacting a range of import pathways.

DAFF also announced revised import conditions for processed peanuts from 11 August 2026, introducing additional inspection and evidentiary requirements for certain peanut products imported for human consumption.

In system related changes, BICON tariff code mappings have been simplified to improve search functionality and consistency, while the "Pet fish food" case has been updated and renamed, with certain pathways relocated to the "Goods for animal consumption" case as part of ongoing efforts to streamline import requirements.
 

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC)

• Meeting 103 2026 – Communique
• Meeting 103 2026 – Minutes

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

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.

Lucy Robinson - Licensed Customs Broker
Head of Border, Biosecurity & Logistics - FTA / APSA

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