FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 19 - 12052026 - sponsored by WiseTech Academy

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

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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

This edition of the Biosecurity Report is led by the introduction of a new Community Protection (CP) profile question in the Integrated Cargo System, which has generated a high volume of member enquiries over the past week.

CP Question?835, applying to certain soap and surfactant tariff lines, has been implemented ahead of a formal industry notice as part of a trial linked to the upcoming Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS), scheduled to take effect from 30?June?2026.

Members began encountering CP?Question?835 unexpectedly during lodgement, particularly where goods classified under Chapters?34 were not, in practice, soap — creating uncertainty around how the question should be answered and concern about unintended referral, delays and documentation requirements.

Following engagement with DAFF and the CBIS team, it has been confirmed that the question is operating as a trial, that a "No" response is not intended to trigger biosecurity intervention or indicate non compliance, and that existing BICON requirements remain unchanged at this stage.

DAFF has advised that a short industry notice will be issued to formally explain the trial arrangements ahead of the planned June publication, and FTA/APSA is continuing to follow up with DAFF to ensure this guidance is released as soon as possible.

Alongside this, the report also brings together several current compliance, systems and engagement updates, including recent Biosecurity Industry Reporting workshops highlighting enhancements to fee visibility and usability, ongoing consultation led by the Inspector General of Biosecurity on documentation and technology settings, frontline biosecurity engagement through the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia webinar taking place tomorrow (13?May), and the opening of nominations for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
 


Summary

Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia – Industry Webinar - Tomorrow (13 May 2026)

Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia is hosting an upcoming webinar titled "Working cooperatively at the front line: roles, risks and responses" on Wednesday 13?May?2026.

The session will be led by Jim?Eldridge, Assistant Director of Technical Response within DAFF's Operational Science and Surveillance Branch.

The webinar will explore how DAFF responds to biosecurity incursions using real-world case studies, with a focus on the respective roles and responsibilities of government, businesses and supply chains.

Emphasis will be placed on the importance of cooperation at the frontline to support effective biosecurity outcomes, followed by an opportunity for participant questions.

Members are encouraged to attend and to consider joining the Biosecurity Business Network by taking the Biosecurity Business Pledge.

Read more / register HERE.


Biosecurity Industry Reporting – STEPS Program Workshops and System Enhancements

DAFF has recently delivered industry workshops under the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program, focusing on enhancements to Biosecurity Industry Reporting, particularly the fee reporting functionality and overall usability of the platform. The sessions attracted strong attendance from brokers and industry representatives, with feedback noting the value of improved visibility for high-volume operations.

The workshops demonstrated several system improvements, including a new fee overview page, enhancements to report usability and navigation, and the introduction of a handy tips page to support day-to-day use. These changes are intended to improve transparency, reduce billing friction and help accredited persons more accurately manage regulatory charges associated with biosecurity interventions.

DAFF has advised that feedback from the sessions will be used to further refine and embed these changes, with additional information sessions planned for later in May.

Presentation slides from the workshops are available HERE.


2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards – Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards, recognising individuals, groups and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening Australia's biosecurity system and protecting our environment, agriculture and communities.

The awards acknowledge excellence across a wide range of categories, including industry, government, environmental biosecurity, science and innovation, community, education, First Nations leadership, and farm biosecurity, as well as the Dr?David?Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award.

Members are encouraged to consider submitting nominations and to promote the awards through their networks. Nominations close at 5:00pm AEST on Tuesday 16?June?2026, with award recipients to be announced later in the year.

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.

11 May 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 the team at training@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:
 
Notices:

- Exports:
 
8 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-20: Plant Exports – Export systems expected maintenance outage 
7 May 2026 : ABF/DAFF - Export Assurance Reform for non-prescribed goods 
 
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE. 
- Imports:

11 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 69-2026: Applications Open under Cargo Scheduling Policy
11 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 68-2026: Mandatory biosecurity reporting requirements for commercial and cruise vessel masters using the Maritime and Aircraft Reporting System (MARS)
6 May 2026 : DAFF - NEW CP QUESTION: SOAP AND COSMETICS 
5 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 67-2026: Conclusion of the 2025-26 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) flight season and BPL vessel inspections
 
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.

Process Change:

Update to BICON Import Permit Applications – Identification of authorised agents - Commencing May 16

From 16 May 2026, a new mandatory question will be included in all application forms.

The question asks the applicant to identify whether they are 'an agent acting on behalf of an importer'.

The purpose of this change is to ensure agents confirm they are authorised by the importer to act on their behalf before lodging an application and that permit conditions are communicated to the importer.  Refer HERE for more information 

Case Alerts: 
 
No new biosecurity or imported food case alerts were issued in the past seven days.

Case Changes: 

Addition of various species to 'Medium risk plants for use as nursery stock' 

A Weed Risk Assessment and Disease Risk Assessment for the species Chaerophyllum argenteum, Oreocharis primuloides and Chirita primuloides has been completed.

The assessments have determined that these species are permitted for import on the basis that they pose a low weed risk to Australia, are already present in Australia and not under official control or are a synonym of a listed permitted species.

As a result, Chaerophyllum argenteum, Oreocharis primuloides, and Chirita primuloides have been added to the 'Medium risk plants for use as nursery stock' BICON case.

Addition of newly assessed species to 'Plant species that are weeds'
  
A  Weed Risk Assessment and Disease Risk Assessment has been completed for the species Aegle marmelos.
The assessment has determined that this species is permitted for import on the basis that they are already present in Australia and not under official control.

As a result, Aegle marmelos may be permitted entry into Australian territory subject to the import conditions of the 'Rutaceae seed for sowing requiring treatment and/or testing' BICON case, to manage associated disease risks and ensure Australia's appropriate level of protection is achieved.

Addition of Aegle marmelos to 'Rutaceae seed for sowing requiring treatment and/or testing' case

A  Weed Risk Assessment and Disease Risk Assessment has been completed  for the species Aegle marmelos.
The assessment has determined that this species is permitted for import on the basis that they are already present in Australia and not under official control.
As a result, Aegle marmelos may be permitted entry into Australian territory subject to the import conditions of the 'Rutaceae seed for sowing requiring treatment and/or testing' BICON case, to manage associated disease risks and ensure Australia's appropriate level of protection is achieved.

Addition of Prumnopitys taxifolia to various BICON cases

Prumnopitys taxifolia has been added to the 'Conifer (excluding Pinus spp. and Pseudotsuga spp.) seed for sowing' and 'Raw seed for human consumption' BICON cases following department's assessment that this species is the accepted name for Podocarpus spicatus, a species already permitted under these BICON cases.

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.

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

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