Tuesday, July 28, 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 week, Biosecurity efforts focused on strengthening pest risk management across international supply chains, increasing awareness of emerging pest threats, and supporting industry compliance. DAFF released a new suite of sea container pest risk management training videos developed with international industry partners to help exporters, importers, freight forwarders, ports, depots and transport operators reduce the risk of pest contamination throughout the global container supply chain. meanwhile, transport operators were urged to remain vigilant following the detection of Asian honey bees in south-west Brisbane, with Biosecurity Queensland reminding industry of its obligations to prevent the spread of this restricted pest and to report any suspected sightings immediately. DAFF also issued a range of import and export updates, including enhancements to biosecurity reporting tools, progress on cargo inspection reforms, changes to approved treatment providers, and new BICON requirements for restricted seed imports. Accredited persons were reminded to complete their mandatory Continued Biosecurity Competency activity (CPD). If not completed before the due date, we encourage them to do so immediately and send their certificate to Class19@aff.gov.au. Industry have been advised to plan ahead for a series of scheduled system outages affecting key biosecurity platforms. Together, these developments highlight the continued focus on safeguarding Australia's borders through improved biosecurity awareness, compliance, and operational capability. We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Sea Container Pest Risk Management - Capacity-Building videos for Global Stakeholders DAFF has released five capacity-building videos aimed at helping global sea container supply chain participants reduce pest contamination risks associated with the movement of sea containers. The videos provide practical guidance on pest risk management and were developed in consultation with international industry organisations and stakeholders, including the Bureau International des Containers, Global Shippers Forum, World Shipping Council, and IPPC sea Container Focus Group members. The resources are intended to support global best practice and do not replace national regulatory requirements. DAFF encourages all stakeholders involved in sea container logistics, including exporters, importers, freight forwarders, port operators, container depots, and transport operators, to view and share the materials within their organisations and networks. A feedback survey has also been released to assess the usefulness and relevance of the videos. Members involved in international sea container movements are encouraged to review the guidance and consider adopting relevant pest risk management practices to support biosecurity outcomes and minimise contamination risks throughout the supply chain. Read more HERE These resources complement the broader international work underway to improve sea container cleanliness. Through APSA's membership of the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), FTA/APSA has been closely monitoring these developments and keeping members informed of emerging reforms. Previous updates are available HERE.
Biosecurity Alert - Asian Honey Bee Detection in South-West Brisbane
Biosecurity Queensland has advised transport industry stakeholders of a recent detection of Asian Honey Bee (Apis cerana) in south-west Brisbane. The species is classified as restricted biosecurity matter in Queensland, meaning it is illegal to keep or move. Although Asian honey bees are already established within the known Infested Area (KIA) in far North Queensland (from north of Cooktown to Cardwell), preventing their spread to other regions remains a priority. The species poses a significant biosecurity risk as it can carry bee diseases and pests, and competes with pollinators important to agriculture and honey production. Transport operators are being urged to remain vigilant for bee swarms or wild hives on vehicles, trailers, containers, cargo, machinery, infrastructure, pallets, parcels, and around food or water sources when operating in or departing the Known Infested Area. Under Queensland's General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO), businesses and individuals must take reasonable and practical steps to minimise biosecurity risks.
If Asian honey bees are found or suspected within the KIA, operators must not move or disturb the bees and should engage a licensed pest management technician to remove and destroy the nest. Any suspected detection outside the KIA, including Brisbane and other major Queensland centres, must be reported immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, and the bees must not be moved or disturbed until further advice is provided. Biosecurity Queensland emphasises that early detection and reporting are critical to preventing the establishment of Asian honey bees in new areas and protecting Queensland's agriculture, environment, and bee industries. Transport businesses are encouraged to share awareness materials with staff, contractors, and drivers to support surveillance and prevention efforts. Read more HERE
Class 19.1 & 19.2 Accredited Persons Accredited persons who have not completed their Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) Mandatory Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) Activity 2026-27/01 (0302) by the due date (24 July 2026) should complete immediately via Learnhub and send their Certificate of Completion to Class19@aff.gov.au to reactivate their accreditation.
Import Updates A number of import initiatives and operational updates were announced by DAFF this week. Changes are being introduced to the lodgement process for Australian Defence Force Military consignments, while preparations continue for the migration of the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP) into the TradeClear Portal to streamline industry access. DAFF also provided a further implementation update on the Cargo Scheduling Policy, aimed at improving the management and visibility of cargo inspections and interventions. The Department suspended treatment provider Asiapac Envirocare PTE LTD (AEI:SG4007SB) from the approved treatment provider list and announced enhancements to self-service biosecurity reporting available through the Biosecurity Portal, giving industry users improved access to operational data and reporting functions. DAFF also released new capacity building resources supporting Sea Container Pest Risk Management program, including educational videos designed to increase global awareness and adoption of best practice pest risk management measures across international supply chains.
Exports DAFF issued two export-related notices during this week. Updates were released to Quality System Recognition (QSR) instructional materials for grain and seed exporters, providing revised guidance and supporting resources for industry participants operating under recognised quality assurance arrangements. In addition, DAFF reminded exporters of the requirements and associated charges for printing NEXDOC certificates, ensuring industry stakeholders remain aware of available certificate printing options and applicable fees.
System Notifications - Planned Outages Several planned and unplanned system notifications were issued by DAFF during the week. Industry participants were advised of scheduled outages and service disruptions affecting AAMP,COLS,MARS,PEBS and DAFF messaging services between 23 and 31 July 2026. A number of notices related to outages impacting the PEBS platform, including planned maintenance, urgent downtime and an unplanned service disruption, with follow up advice confirming service restoration. Stakeholders were encouraged to monitor DAFF communications and plan transactions around scheduled maintenance windows to minimise operational disruptions.
BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates DAFF introduced a new documentation requirement for restricted seed for sowing imports. Effective 25 July 2026, importers must provide evidence confirming the full scientific (botanical) name of eligible seed imports, with the requirement initially applying to Panicum species and expected to be progressively expanded to other restricted seed pathways requiring post entry quarantine. The measure is intended to strengthen species verification, support more consistent import assessments and reduce delays associated with requests for additional information. DAFF also updated BICON guidance following the removal of SARS-CoV-2 from the Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2026. Information notices have been added to relevant BICON cases to clarify import requirements for goods such as antibodies, genetic material, human tissues and diagnostic products. The change is expected to reduce unnecessary permit applications and administrative burden while providing greater clarity for importers, customs brokers and departmental assessment staff.
Cargo Operations Snapshot
Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF. 28 July 2026 Report LOGIN REQUIRED
2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages
FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and 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 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.
2026-2027 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)
As published on the DAFF CBC webpage, CBC 2026-27/01 , it is now open for completion from Thursday, 11 June 2026 on Learnhub. Effective this year, the CBC activity includes both the learning and assessment component, which will only be delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub. All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by Thursday, 23 July 2026. Failure to meet CBC requirements will result in suspension or cancellation of approved arrangement class 19 accreditation. It may also result in administrative actions against the approved arrangement holder. DAFF has also indicated that the CBC activity will attract 2 CPD points in Stream A . The certificate of completion will reflect the 2 points awarded.
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 2 September 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:
24 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN 123-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended - Asiapac Envirocare PTE LTD (AEI:SG4007SB)
Notices: - Exports: 27 July 2026: DAFF - IAN: 2026-45: Grain and Seed Exports - Update to Quality System Recognition (QSR) instructional materials 21 July 2026: DAFF - IAN: 2026-19: Printing NEXDOC Certificates and associated charges
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.
- Imports: 27 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 126-2026 Changes coming to the lodgement of Australian Defence Force Military consignments 24 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 125-2026 Upcoming move of the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP) to the TradeClear Portal 24 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 124-2026 Implementation update: Cargo Scheduling Policy 24 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 123-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended - Asiapac Envirocare PTE LTD (AEI:SG4007SB) 23 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 122-2026 Enhancement to the self-service biosecurity industry reporting available on the Biosecurity Portal 23 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 121-2026 Sea Container Pest Risk Management: Capacity-Building Videos for Global Stakeholders
- System Notifications:
27 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 142-2026 Scheduled Outage: Friday 31 July 2026 - AAMP, COLS,DAFF messaging 27 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 141-2026 Scheduled Service Disruption: Tuesday 28 July 2026 - COLS,MARS,OPS and PEBS 25 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 140-2026 Services Restored: Saturday 25 July 2026 - PEBS 24 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 139-2026 Urgent Scheduled Outage: Friday 24 July - PEBS 24 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 138-2026 Unplanned Service Disruption: Friday 24 July 2026 - PEBS 23 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 137-2026 Scheduled Service Disruption: Monday 27 July 2026 - COLS,MARS,OPS and PEBS 22 July 2026 : DAFF - ISN 136-2026 *Updated* Scheduled Outage: Thursday 23 July to Friday 24 July 2026 - PEBS BICON Watch – Weekly Case Updates
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.
Case Alerts: No new case alerts this week.
Case Changes: New documentation requirement for restricted seed for sowing imports Effective 25 July 2026, the Department has introduced a new biosecurity requirement for restricted seed for sowing imports, requiring importers to provide supporting documentation that verifies the full scientific (botanical) name of the seed being imported. Acceptable documents include a packing list, supplier declaration, invoice, or phytosanitary certificate. The requirement has initially been implemented for Panicum spp. seed for sowing and will be progressively applied to other restricted seed BICON cases requiring post entry quarantine. The change aims to strengthen species identity verification, improve biosecurity risk management, reduce inconsistencies in import documentation, and minimise border clearance delays caused by requests for additional information. Existing import permits will be updated by the Department at no cost, with further notifications issued as additional seed pathways are brought under the new requirement.
SARS-CoV-2 is not considered to be a Listed Human Disease Effective 25 July 2026, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) has been removed from the Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2026 and is no longer classified as a Listed Human Disease. To reflect this change, information boxes have been added to relevant BICON cases covering purified antibodies, genetic material, human fluids and tissues, and test kits. The update is intended to reduce unnecessary administrative and financial burdens by helping importers identify goods that may meet standard import permit conditions, thereby reducing mistaken non-standard import permit applications. This change affects importers, brokers, and Pathway Operations Cargo assessment and inspection staff.
> 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 / APSA Copyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.