Tuesday, April 28, 2026
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 edition of the Biosecurity Report focuses on current operational priorities and seasonal transition points, with FTA heading to Canberra for a series of meetings with DAFF, including engagement through the Department's Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) to discuss operational matters and emerging issues.Members are also reminded that the 2025–26 Brown?Marmorated?Stink?Bug?(BMSB) risk season will conclude on Friday 1 May 2026.Goods shipped on board, or vessels departing from, BMSB target risk countries on or after this date will no longer be subject to seasonal BMSB measures, while goods shipped between 1 September 2025 and 30 April 2026 remain captured under BMSB requirements regardless of arrival date.
Summary
On 5 and 6 May DAFF is hosting online industry sessions focused on recent enhancements to the Biosecurity Industry Reporting tool under the STEPS Program, with particular emphasis on the new fee reporting functionality. The sessions are targeted at Approved Arrangement Class 19 accredited persons and will include a live demonstration of system capabilities.The updated reporting features provide improved visibility of in-progress entries, directions and intervention status, alongside a service-view record of fees associated with biosecurity interventions. DAFF is actively seeking feedback from frontline users, making these sessions a practical opportunity for industry to help shape further system improvements. Read more HERE.
DAFF has confirmed that Turkmenistan will not be re-classified as a khapra beetle target-risk country following further consideration of information provided by the country's authorities. Turkmenistan will therefore remain a non-target risk country, with existing emergency measures for non-target risk countries continuing to apply to plant products exported to Australia.This update amends the earlier advice issued under IIAN 51-2026 and confirms that only seven countries — Angola, Chad, Guinea, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Tanzania — will be re-classified as khapra beetle target-risk countries from 30 April 2026. Industry should ensure import and treatment arrangements reflect the updated country risk status when assessing consignments from affected origins. Read more HERE.Plant Exports – Updated Instructional Material for Inspection and Treatment RecordsDAFF has updated instructional material in the Plant Export Operations Manual relating to the completion of plant export inspection and treatment records, providing additional clarity for exporters, registered establishment occupiers and Authorised Officers (AOs).The revisions focus on practical record-keeping requirements, including clearer guidance on recording outcomes for log consignments, capturing source details accurately, applying standard sampling rates, and completing mandatory fields when records are generated through the Plant Exports Management System (PEMS). While no policy settings have changed, AOs are expected to familiarise themselves with the updated material and apply the clarified requirements when completing inspection and treatment documentation. Read more HERE.
Cargo Operations Snapshot
2026-2027 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC)
Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):
BICON Watch – Weekly Case Updates
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 BrokerGeneral Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSACopyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.