FTA / APSA BIOSECURITY REPORT - 24 16062026 - Sponsored by Australian Government - Austrade

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 week in Biosecurity we saw a strong focus on export cost recovery reforms, with DAFF releasing a series on 2026-27 Export Cost Recovery Implementation Statements ,alongside multiple DAFF notices impacting horticultural exports and international market access.

On the import side, updates included system disruptions, revised and updates to Approved Arrangement policies (v74), and revised guidance relating to aircraft arrivals and treatment providers.

BICON updates were largely administrative, but still relevant for operational accuracy including a new garlic case introduced, and removal of devitalisation for certain flower imports. Also approval of an additional offshore seed testing laboratory.

In addition, the 2026-27 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity has now commenced via Learnhub, with mandatory completion required by 23 July 2026 for accredited persons, reinforcing ongoing compliance and capability expectations across the sector.

Read more HERE
 

Summary

Biosecurity Industry Reporting - Fee Reporting Enhancement (AA Class 19)

The Department has released an enhancement to fee reporting within the Biosecurity Portal, giving AA Class 19 accredited persons improved self-service access to entry data. The new system replaces Broker Reports and provides clearer fee breakdowns by importer and accredited person, improving transparency, reducing enquiries to the department, and supporting more efficient consignment processing.

Read more HERE
 

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) - Suspension Update 

DAFF has advised of the suspension of SML Eco Pest Control (AEI:LK0012MB) and M/S Exim Fumigation Services under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS).
Members should ensure that offshore treatments are conducted by approved providers, as the use of suspended providers may impact the validity of treatment certification and clearance outcomes.
Read more HERE and HERE

Export  Industry Notices

A busy week for export updates, with DAFF releasing the 2026-27 Export Cost recovery Implementation Statements (CRIS) across multiple commodity streams, alongside important operational and market access changes.

Highlights include progress on the MICOR re-platforming project, updated import requirements for selected horticultural exports to Malaysia, and ongoing refinements to export processes such as the fast track trial, grain surveyor assurance arrangements, and persimmon exports to Thailand.

Exporters are also reminded of evolving China GACC Decree 280 registration requirements, while a revised go-live date for NEXDOC for meat and meat products confirms a delay to implementation.

 

Import Industry Advice Notices - Operational Updates and Policy Changes

Daff has issued several Import Industry Advice Notices this week covering service disruptions and restorations impacting Approved Arrangement Class 14.4, along with updates to treatment provider listings and revised biosecurity obligations for aircraft arrivals into Australian territory.

The department has also released Version 7.4 of the Approved arrangements General Policies, providing updated guidance for industry participants. Members are encouraged to review these changes and monitor ongoing notices to support compliance and minimise operational impacts.
 

System Notification - Scheduled Service Disruption 

DAFF has issued several system notifications this week, including scheduled outages and unplanned disruptions affecting platforms such as MARS, PEBS and the Biosecurity portal.

Members are encouraged to monitor notifications closely and plan for potential impacts to lodgement and processing, assessment and operational activities.
 

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages

2026-2027 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC)

• Meeting 103 2026 – Communique
• Meeting 103 2026 – Minutes

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

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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