FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 20 - 19052026 - sponsored by Port Of Newcastle

Tuesday, May 19, 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 highlights recent engagement with the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, providing members with an update on discussions focused on operational challenges and system performance.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) facilitated member input into a targeted discussion on the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS), with contributions helping to identify practical issues relating to functionality, process efficiency and user experience. The engagement reinforced the importance of direct collaboration between government and industry to support ongoing system improvements aligned with operational realities.

Members should also note the upcoming Compliance Based Competency (CBC) requirements for Approved Arrangement Class 19. The activity will be available from Thursday 11 June 2026 and must be completed by Thursday 23 July 2026. All accredited persons are required to complete the activity to maintain their accreditation, noting that failure to do so will result in suspension or cancellation.

Alongside these updates, FTA successfully delivered its Victorian Border Compliance Program on May 15 and 16, with the biosecurity session focusing on current policy, targeting and compliance reforms shaping the operating environment. The session worked through practical impacts for sea cargo movements, evolving accreditation expectations under the Highly Compliant Importer and Class 19 frameworks, system-driven risk targeting through STEPS, and the Biosecurity Pledge as a mechanism to reinforce industry accountability at the border. Strong engagement across both days reflected the sector's focus on maintaining compliance while adapting to ongoing regulatory and system change.


Summary

Approved Arrangement Class 19 – Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) 2026–27

DAFF has released the schedule for the next Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity for Approved Arrangement Class?19 accredited persons, with CBC 2026–27/01 to be available from Thursday 11?June?2026 via the Learnhub platform.

The CBC program continues to include both learning and assessment components, now delivered entirely through Learnhub following the transition away from external CBC providers.

All accredited persons are required to complete the activity by Thursday 23?July?2026, with failure to meet requirements potentially resulting in suspension or cancellation of accreditation, as well as administrative action against the Approved Arrangement holder.

Members should ensure timely completion of the activity and monitor access to Learnhub to meet compliance obligations within the specified timeframe.

Read more HERE.

Inspector-General of Biosecurity – Industry Consultation and Documentation Review

The Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) has formally commenced consultation activity associated with the review of documentation requirements for the biosecurity risk assessment of imported goods.

The review is examining whether current requirements support effective risk assessment and compliance outcomes, are clearly understood by stakeholders, and do not introduce unnecessary operational complexity or burden.

Following recent engagement with the IGB and review team, FTA facilitated targeted industry consultation sessions with both a large global logistics operator and a small-to-medium customs brokerage, providing the review team with practical exposure to real-world operational workflows.

These sessions covered end-to-end processes, including sourcing documentation from overseas suppliers, preparing and lodging through Cargo Online Lodgement System, and managing departmental responses and requests for further information.

Feedback from the sessions was highly positive, with the IGB noting the value of direct operational insight in informing the review. The formal Have Your Say consultation is now open, and members are strongly encouraged to provide practical feedback to ensure the review reflects actual supply chain conditions and documentation realities.

Read more HERE.
Have Your Say by 22 May 2026 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.

18 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:
 
18 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-21 : Plant Exports – Updates to instructional material for supporting documents
13 May 2026 : DAFF - MAA 2026-10: Milk and Milk Products: Saudi Arabia: palletisation requirements indefinitely postponed  
13 May 2026 : DAFF - MAA 2026-02: Fish and Fish products: Saudi Arabia: palletisation requirements indefinitely postponed
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE. 
- Imports:

18 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN  74-2026 Updates to nursery stock import requirements to manage plant disease risks
18 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN  73-2026 : List of treatment providers update: treatment providers under review – C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB).
15 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 72-2026: New guidance material: A better practice guide to imported horticulture inspections (updated)
14 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 71-2026: Approved arrangement class 19 Continued biosecurity competency dates 2026-27
12 May 2026 : DAFF - Deactivation of Trial CP Question - Soap & Cosmetics - Update 2
12 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 70-2026 Commencement of Phase 2, a wider review of seed pathogen tests for tomato and capsicum seed
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: 
 
Sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum) measures extending to additional nursery stock plant general

BICON has updated to extend existing biosecurity measures for Phytophthora ramorum (Sudden oak death) to additional nursery stock genera, including Lysimachia, Oxalis and Polystichum. These measures aim to manage the risk of this highly invasive plant pathogen, which spreads via infected plant material, by requiring either country freedom certification on phytosanitary documentation or disease screening through post-entry quarantine processes.

New measures for Banana bunchy top virus and Banana bract mosaic virus on Alpinia spp. nursery stock

DAFF has introduced enhanced import measures for permitted Alpinia species entering Australia as nursery stock to address the biosecurity risks posed by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) and Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV). These viruses are serious plant diseases that can spread through infected planting material and vectors such as aphids, and the updated conditions are designed to strengthen controls on this pathway by requiring additional regulatory safeguards to prevent their introduction and establishment.

Extending Xylella emergency measures to additional nursery stock plant genera

Biosecurity Import Conditions have been extended to existing emergency measures for Xylella fastidiosa to a broader range of nursery stock plant genera listed in Table 1. This expansion reflects the ongoing biosecurity risk posed by Xylella, a serious plant pathogen that can spread through infected plant material, and ensures that all newly listed host genera are subject to strengthened controls such as phytosanitary certification, offshore testing, or post-entry quarantine screening to prevent its entry and establishment in Australia.

Changes to manage the risk posed by Moko disease (Ralstonia solanacearum race 2) on nursery stock

DAFF has introduced enhanced import measures for nursery stock to manage the risks associated with Moko disease (Ralstonia solanacearum race 2), following a review of susceptible plant genera. The updated conditions extend strengthened controls to relevant host species, requiring measures such as country freedom certification, offshore testing of plant material, or extended post-entry quarantine screening to reduce the likelihood of the disease entering and establishing in Australia.

Upcoming changes to manage the risks posed by Pepper ringspot virus on nursery stock

DAFF has introduced enhanced biosecurity measures to manage the risks posed by Pepper ringspot virus (Tobravirus capsici) on nursery stock, following a review of its potential to spread through plant propagation pathways. This virus can infect a wide range of host plants and be transmitted via infected plant material and vectors such as soil-inhabiting nematodes, prompting the implementation of strengthened import controls to reduce the likelihood of its entry and establishment in Australia

Case Changes: 

Addition of newly assessed species to 'Plant species that are weeds'

Two newly assessed species ,Ornithogalum sphaerocarpum and Codonopsis alpina have been reviewed under DAFF's Weed Risk Assessment process. Ornithogalum sphaerocarpum was found to present an unacceptable weed risk and has been added to the 'Plant species that are weeds' BICON case, reinforcing restrictions on its import.

Addition of species to 'Permitted seeds for sowing' and 'Raw seed for human consumption' cases

Case update following a taxonomic review of Aloidendron dichotomum, confirming it as a synonym of the already permitted species Aloe dichotomum. As synonyms represent alternative names for the same species, this update ensures consistency across import conditions. The change clarifies that Aloidendron dichotomum can be treated as permitted under existing arrangements for seeds for sowing and raw seed for human consumption, providing greater certainty for importers without introducing new biosecurity risk settings

Update to BICON case Fresh leaves for human consumption – Drumstick tree leaves (Moringa oleifera)

Import conditions for fresh drumstick tree leaves (Moringa oleifera) have been updated to align with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) advice that the species is not permitted as a novel food. FSANZ's assessment found insufficient evidence to confirm the safety of Moringa oleifera for human consumption, meaning it cannot be legally sold or used as a food ingredient, and imports are subject to rejection under Australia's imported food controls.
 

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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