FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 21 - 26052026 - sponsored by The Compliant Group

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

JOIN THE ALLIANCE
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK 



FTA / APSA & NZCOC are proud to have The Compliant Group as a GOLD & LANYARD sponsor for the upcoming 2026 Australia  & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference

Dear <<First Name>>

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 updates across biosecurity operations, including changes to treatment provider status under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), new and updated Import and Export Industry Advice Notices, and upcoming system disruptions impacting key departmental platforms.

A key update this week includes the suspension of an approved offshore treatment provider under AFAS, reinforcing the importance of verifying treatment provider status when managing consignments subject to biosecurity treatment requirements.

Further updates include new and revised guidance impacting export pathways, including the transition of meat and meat products to the NEXDOC system and horticulture export applications to New Zealand, alongside sourcing restrictions affecting abalone exports from Tasmania.

On the imports side, members should be aware of enhancements to reporting frameworks under the Biosecurity Industry Reporting model, as well as updates to Approved Arrangement Class 19 competency requirements and ongoing changes to nursery stock import conditions to address emerging plant disease risks.

Members are also reminded of upcoming system outages scheduled across COLS,MARS,OPS and PEBS, which may impact lodgement and processing timeframes over the weekend of 23 to 24 may 2026.


Summary

Cargo Reporting System Transformation discussion paper Member Feedback Requested

FTA and APSA have advised that ABF, in collaboration with DAFF, has released a discussion paper seeking industry feedback on the future transformation of Australia's Integrated Cargo System (ICS). The initiative signals a long-term reform program to modernise cargo reporting, including potential system replacement, improved data integration and alignment across government agencies. Members are encouraged to provide input on current ICS limitations, data and reporting challenges, and opportunities for enhanced automation and inter-operability , to inform FTA/APSA's formal submission and ongoing engagement with government.


Read more HERE

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) - Suspension Update

DAFF has issued an update under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), confirming the suspension of treatment provider C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB) as of 22 May 2026.

AFAS continues to play a critical role in managing offshore biosecurity risks by ensuring treatment providers meet required standards. Members should ensure that any treatments applied offshore are completed by currently approved providers, noting that suspended providers may impact the validity of treatment certification and clearance outcomes.

Read more HERE.

 

Export Industry Advice Notices - System Transition and Market Access Updates

Recent Export Industry Advice Notices highlight key operational changes, including the transition of meat and meat products to the NEXDOC system from 15 June 2026.

Additional updates include sourcing and harvesting restrictions impacting abalone exports from Tasmania, as well as the opening of application pathways for horticulture exports to New Zealand for commodities including bananas, capsicum, papaya and sweetcorn.

These updates may effect export documentation. lodgement processes and market eligibility, and members should review requirements to ensure compliance.

Read more HERE.
 

Import Industry Advice Notices - Reporting Enhancements and Biosecurity Updates

DAFF has released a number of Import Industry Advice Notices covering enhancements to the Biosecurity Industry Reporting framework, including upcoming information sessions focused on fee reporting requirements.

Further updates include the introduction of a new biosecurity direction and notice format for Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) entries, as well as continued changes to Approved Arrangement Class 19 competency obligations.

Ongoing updates to nursery stock import conditions reflect strengthened measures to manage plant disease risks, reinforcing the importance of reviewing BICON requirements prior to lodgement.

 

System Notification - Scheduled Service Disruption

DAFF has advised of a scheduled service disruption affecting COLS, PEBS and OPP from Thursday 28 May to Friday 29 May 2026.

Members should plan for potential delays to lodgement and processing activities during this period and factor these impacts into operational workflows.

Read more HERE.
 

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 monito access to Learnhub to meet compliance obligations within the specified timeframe.

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.

25 May 2026 Report LOGINREQUIRED

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:

22 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 78-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB) 
18 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 73-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment providers under review – C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB).
 
Notices:

- Exports:

20 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-09 NEXDOC - Meat and Meat Products moving to NEXDOC on Monday 15 June 2026
20 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-02 NEXDOC – Meat and Meat Products moving to NEXDOC on Monday 15 June 2026
19 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-22 : Plant Exports – Horticulture – Applications for the export of bananas, capsicum, papaya and sweetcorn to New Zealand in 2026 
19 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-08 Abalone from Tasmania: sourcing/harvesting restrictions
 
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE. 
- Imports:

26 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 79-2026 Changes to the Listed Human Diseases Determination
21 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 77-2026 Import conditions for shipborne dunnage
21 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 76-2026 Information sessions for enhancements to the Biosecurity Industry Reporting - Fee reporting
19 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 75-2026 New Biosecurity direction and notice format for Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) entries
 

- System Notifications:
 
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: 
 
Changes to manage the risk posed by Moko disease on nursery stock

Enhanced Biosecurity controls will apply to nursery stock host genera for Ralstonia solanacearum phylotype II (moko strains), with updated terminology and strengthened requirements including country freedom certification, PCR testing, or 12-month post-entry quarantine for higher-risk origins. These measures follow a review of host species and affected countries, with revised conditions applying to consignments certified on or after this date.

A better practice guide to imported horticulture inspections

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a better practice guide for imported horticulture inspections to support approved arrangements in improving inspection efficiency and consistency. The guidance aims to streamline processes, reduce delays and costs, and support faster cargo clearance, while helping industry meet Class 2.4 operating conditions. Training materials have also been developed to support staff induction and ongoing competency. The alert applies to approved arrangements and importers dealing with a wide range of fresh produce and plant commodities.


Case Changes: 

Import conditions for shipborne dunnage

A new BICON pathway has been added under the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance case to manage shipborne dunnage, including a new scenario question to guide users to specific requirements.

There are no changes to existing policy or processes. The update consolidates requirements into one location and aligns breakbulk timber packaging conditions, including clarification of ISPM 15 marking and treatment options.

Applies to operators, importers, brokers, and other BICON users handling shipborne dunnage.
 

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 

Copyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.