Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) wishes to advise members that the Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) has formally commenced consultation activity associated with the upcoming review into documentation requirements for the biosecurity risk assessment of imported goods.
The review will examine whether: - documentation requirements are supporting effective risk assessment and regulatory compliance
- stakeholders can reliably interpret and complete documentation requirements as intended
- current practices create unnecessary complexity, ambiguity or unintended operational burdens
- risks and gaps associated with documentation assessment processes are appropriately managed
Lucy Robinson (Head of Border, Biosecurity & Logistics) and I recently met with the Inspector-General of Biosecurity and review team, where the IGB outlined recent engagement with DAFF document assessment areas to better understand current operational processes, system interactions and regulatory settings. The IGB also expressed a strong interest in meeting directly FTA members to better understand practical operational experiences across the supply chain.
Following that engagement, FTA coordinated industry consultation sessions this week involving both C.H. Robinson and Gavos Freight Solutions.
Importantly, the sessions provided the IGB with exposure to both a large global logistics operator and a small-to-medium enterprise customs brokerage environment, helping demonstrate the practical realities, challenges and operational workflows experienced across different parts of industry.
Discussions included: - obtaining documentation from overseas suppliers and cargo owners
- reviewing and assessing documentation for biosecurity purposes
- preparing and lodging documentation via Cargo Online Lodgement System
- managing departmental responses, directions and requests for further information
- operational challenges associated with current assessment processes and system interactions
Feedback from both sessions was extremely positive, with the IGB noting the practical walkthroughs and operational examples provided valuable insights that will assist in informing the review process.
FTA extends sincere thanks to both C.H. Robinson and Gavos Freight Solutions for generously hosting these sessions and openly sharing operational experiences and insights.
The Inspector-General of Biosecurity and review team are also acknowledged and thanked for the constructive level of engagement shown with FTA and members throughout the early stages of this consultation process.
Importantly, the IGB has now launched the formal "Have Your Say" consultation process for the review.
FTA strongly encourages members to participate and provide practical operational feedback directly to the IGB.
The consultation closes on 22 May 2026.
Further information on the review is available here:
IGB Review – Documentation Requirements for Biosecurity Assessment
Members can provide feedback directly via the official consultation page:
Have Your Say – IGB Consultation
FTA will continue engaging closely with the IGB throughout the review process and will keep members informed of further opportunities for consultation and industry input. Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA
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