FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 33- 18/08/2026 sponsored by XE

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 was dominated by compliance and treatment provider updates, with DAFF suspending four offshore treatment providers from the approved treatment provider scheme in Turkey, the Netherlands and Italy. These actions reinforce the department's ongoing focus on maintaining the integrity of Australia's offshore treatment framework and managing biosecurity risks associated with imported cargo.

Industry engagement also remains a priority, with DAFF promoting upcoming AusTreat information sessions and providing further updates on preparations for the 2026-27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season. Additional import reforms were announced through the expansion of the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS).

Export activity remained relatively limited, with the primary market access development being updated advice on Malaysia's import requirements for non-prescribed goods containing dairy ingredients. Also adding applications open to export Kiwifruit to Thailand in 2027.

This week's BICON watch highlighted several significant policy and operational changes including revised conditions for processed peanuts, updates to permitted plant fibre requirements, additions to the Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms, tariff code mapping reforms and biosecurity responses to the ASF outbreak in Finland.

Industry participants were also advised of several planned outages and service disruptions affecting BICON, COLS, eResults,MARS and other DAFF systems. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor system notifications and plan lodgements accordingly to minimise operational impacts.

With National Biosecurity Week fast approaching (24-30 August), its also a timely reminder of the vital role biosecurity plays in safeguarding Australia's agricultural industries, natural environment and economy. Whether through compliance, reporting, treatment assurance or day to day operational practices, everyone has a part to play in strengthening Australia's biosecurity system.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.


 
 

Summary

Import Updates

DAFF issued several significant import related notices this week, including the advice on upcoming AusTreat information sessions and further engagement activities for the 2026-27 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season.

The department announced additional plant commodities entering the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS), expanding compliance-based processing arrangements for eligible import pathways. Australian Defence Force (ADF) military consignments are also now required to be lodged through Cargo Online Lodgement Systems (COLS), streamlining reporting and cargo processing arrangements.

A major compliance focus was evident through the suspension of four offshore treatment providers.

• Tema Liman Hizmetleri Ve Lojistik Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)
•  UFA Global Liman Hizmetleri San. Tic. Ltd. Sti (Turkey)
•  Fumico Heat Treatment Terminal Rotterdam (Netherlands)
•  Centro Disinfestazione Livornese SRL (Italy)

Importers with goods treated by these providers should carefully review DAFF advice and assess any potential impacts on future shipments.
 

Export Updates

Export activity was relatively light during the week, with updates affecting both dairy related exports to Malaysia and future horticulture exports to Thailand.

The key development was Market Access Advice (MAA 2026-21), providing updated guidance on Malaysia's import requirements for non-prescribed goods containing dairy ingredients. Exporters supplying products to the Malaysian market should review the revised requirements and ensure documentation and product classifications remain compliant.

In addition, Industry Advice Notice (IAN 2026-27) announced that applications are now open for the export of kiwifruit to Thailand in 2027. Exporters intending to access this market should review the notice and submit applications within the required timeframe.

System Notifications - Planned Outages

DAFF issued numerous system notices this week covering both scheduled maintenance and unplanned service interruptions.

Notifications included disruptions affecting eResults, BICON,COLS,MARS,PEBS and DAFF messaging services, along with a broader maintenance window scheduled for 17-18 August affecting multiple systems.

Industry participants should remain vigilant when planning lodgements, inspections, reporting activities and cargo clearances, particularly during scheduled outage periods where processing delays may occur.

BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates 

DAFF issued several significant BICON updates this week, including changes to import conditions, biosecurity settings and system functionality. The department expanded its Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and Infectious Agents, adding new approved organisms and updating existing import permits at no cost to affected permit holders.

Biosecurity settings were strengthened following the detection of African swine fever (ASF) in Finland. Finland has been removed from Australia's approved country lists for pig meat and certain pig derived products, potentially affecting several import pathways involving pig-based ingredients, biological materials and therapeutics.

Read more HERE

Processed peanut import conditions were also revised. New evidentiary requirements and mandatory inspection measures now apply to several peanut products imported for human consumption and processing. Importers must provide declarations confirming full devitalisation, with all consignments subject to document assessment and inspection.

BICON's tariff code search functionality has been simplified through the consolidation of many 6 to10 digit tariff codes into broader 4 digit tariff headings. The update aims to improve consistency and streamline search results while maintaining existing tariff search capabilities.

Additional case updates were issued for Permitted Plant Fibres, aligning onshore direction instructions and clarifying that sun drying is not recognised as an acceptable heat treatment method under approved manufacturing processes. While no treatment rates have changed, the updated guidance is intended to improve consistency and reduce clearance delays.

Overall, this week's BICON developments continued DAFF's focus on strengthening import controls, improving system usability and providing greater clarity around biosecurity compliance requirements.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages

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 / APSA

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