DAFF - FTA/APSA Biosecurity Report 39 29/09/2026 Sponsored by BIERS Andrew Christie Consulting

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's biosecurity developments focused on the implementation of new import controls, permit pathway reforms and operational updates ahead of several changes commencing on 1 October 2026. While no major suspensions or emergency biosecurity responses were announced, DAFF released several notices aimed at strengthening compliance requirements, improving import processing arrangements and supporting industry preparedness.

Import stakeholders were advised of new biosecurity instruments commencing from 1 October, updated Ethyl Formate fumigation conditions and Approved Arrangement requirements, continued biosecurity competency dates for Class 19 facilities, and changes to the Port of Melbourne's First Point of Entry determination. Updates were also made to the PEBS plant reservation system, affecting users managing plant import and export pathways.

BICON updates centred on simplifying import permit arrangements while strengthening risk management controls. From 30 September, DAFF will introduce four new standard permit pathways covering animal-related goods and products not intended for livestock use. Additional BICON case changes introduced strengthened documentation requirements for a range of restricted seed-for-sowing pathways, reinforcing verification requirements and supporting effective biosecurity risk management.

Industry participants were also required to manage a high volume of DAFF system notifications throughout the week. These included unplanned disruptions affecting BICON and multiple departmental systems, scheduled outages, and maintenance activities impacting BICON and MARS. Subsequent notices confirmed the restoration of affected services, reinforcing the importance of monitoring system availability when planning lodgements and cargo processing activities.

Export developments included updates on Indonesia's Halal requirements, revised certification arrangements for dairy exports to French Polynesia, restrictions affecting Tasmanian abalone exports, and commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh aehobak from the Republic of Korea. DAFF also released the latest National Plant Gateway reform newsletter and advised industry of a temporary export systems outage.

In a more lighthearted biosecurity story, DAFF highlighted its role in facilitating the arrival of a Boeing 707-138 once flown and owned by Hollywood actor and aviation enthusiast John Travolta. Now destined for restoration and public display at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Museum in Shellharbour, the aircraft's arrival showcased the breadth of Australia's biosecurity operations and the role biosecurity officers play in managing the safe importation of everything from commercial cargo and agricultural goods to historically significant aircraft. 

Beyond operational and regulatory changes, Australia participated in APEC food security discussions focused on strengthening food system resilience, innovation and digitalisation across the region. Discussions addressed common challenges including biosecurity risks, pest and disease management, food safety, supply chain disruption, traceability and trade barriers. The outcomes are particularly relevant given APEC economies account for around 72% of Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry trade and complement Australia's broader National Food Security Strategy initiatives.

Industry engagement also continued through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC), with the latest meeting communique and minutes now available and the next meeting scheduled for November 2026.

Overall, this week's updates reflected a continued focus on strengthening biosecurity controls through enhanced permit pathways, updated compliance requirements and improved operational processes, while also highlighting the growing importance of regional cooperation in supporting biosecurity, food security and resilient international supply chains.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.

Summary

Import Updates 

This week's import notices focused on biosecurity compliance, approved arrangement requirements, and operational updates to import processes. DAFF advised Approved Arrangement Class 19 operators of the continued biosecurity competency training dates for 2026-27 and announced updates to ethyl formate fumigation conditions and associated Approved Arrangement requirements for Classes 12.4,4.6 and 4.7.

Importers were also notified of new biosecurity instruments commencing on 1 October 2026, which may affect import processing and compliance obligations. In addition, DAFF varied the Port of Melbourne First Point of Entry determination, updating approved entry arrangements for certain goods, while enhancements to the PEBS Create Plant Reservation system were introduced to improve the management of plant import bookings and inspections. Overall, the notices reflect DAFF's ongoing efforts to strengthen biosecurity controls, update operational requirements, and improve the efficiency of import processing systems.

Read more HERE

Export Updates

This week's export related notices focused on market access requirements, export system updates, and regulatory reform initiatives. DAFF announced upcoming webinars to assist exporters in understanding Indonesia's hala certification requirements, while also issuing advice on sourcing and harvesting restrictions for Tasmanian abalone exports. Exporters of milk and milk products to French Polynesia were advised of an updated health certificate that will apply from 30 September 2026.

In addition, DAFF released its latest NPG Reform Newsletter, providing an update on ongoing regulatory reform activities. Operationally, industry was notified of an unplanned export systems outage on 22 September, highlighting the importance of monitoring system availability for export certification and lodgement activities. Separately, DAFF commenced a review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh aehobak from the Republic of Korea, reflecting the department's continued work on maintaining and reviewing international trade and biosecurity arrangements.
 

Hollywood's John Travolta's Boeing 707-138 meets Australian biosecurity

In a unique example of biosecurity supporting the preservation of aviation history, DAFF biosecurity officers recently facilitated the safe importation of a Boeing 707-138 once owned and flown by actor and aviation enthusiast John Travolta. The aircraft, donated to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS), has arrived in Australia and will undergo restoration before being placed on public display at the HARS Museum in Shellharbour. The story highlights the important role biosecurity officers play in managing the safe arrival of a diverse range of imports, including historically significant aircraft, while protecting Australia's biosecurity status.



Read more HERE
 

Australia shapes  food security agenda at regional forum  

Australia has participated in recent food security discussions hosted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, helping shape regional priorities aimed at building more resilient, sustainable and productive food systems.

A key outcome was the endorsement of new principles focused on innovation, digitalisation and strengthening food system resilience across the region.

Discussions highlighted shared challenges including biosecurity risks, pest and disease outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, food safety, traceability and barriers to trade. Australia emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, particularly given the interconnected nature of agricultural production and food supply chains.

Australian representatives also showcased the country's experience in linking research, investment and industry to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovation.

The outcomes are particularly relevant given that APEC member economies account for around 72% of Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry trade.

Australia's engagement complements broader domestic initiatives, including the development of the National Food Security Strategy and establishment of the National Food Council.

For more information refer HERE

System Notifications - Planned Outages

This week's system notifications were primarily focused on scheduled outages, service disruptions and subsequent service restorations across DAFF systems, particularly BICON and MARS. During the week, DAFF advised industry of several planned maintenance windows affecting multiple systems between 25 and 30 September, including a scheduled outage of BICON and an upcoming outage of MARS.

DAFF also reported an unplanned disruption affecting BICON on 22 September, along with a broader outage impacting multiple systems on the same day. Follow up notifications confirmed that all affected services were successfully restored, with both BICON and other impacted departmental systems returning to normal operation. Overall, the system notices reflect ongoing maintenance and support activities aimed at ensuring the reliability and performance of DAFF's biosecurity and import management platforms.
 

BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates 

This week's BICON updates focused on the introduction of new permit pathways for animal related and non-livestock goods, alongside the implementation of additional documentation requirements for several restricted seed for sowing import pathways.

A significant case alert announced that, from 30 September 2026, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will introduce four new standard import permit pathways covering goods for animal-related purposes and goods not permitted for livestock use. The new pathways include options for both bulk and retail-ready products and are intended to streamline permit requirements for importers currently operating under alternative standard or non-standard permits.

Several case changes were also implemented relating to restricted seed for sowing imports. Effective from 18 and 22 September 2026, DAFF has introduced new documentation requirements across a range of seed pathways to strengthen verification of seed identity and support Australia's biosecurity risk management framework.

The changes apply to imports of Aneuropidium, Cenchrus, Chloris, Digitaria, Elymus, Thinopyrum, Setaria, Zeia, Phaseolus, Rutaceae family seeds, and Gossypium (cotton) seed for sowing. Importers will now be required to provide additional supporting documentation to verify the identity of imported seed consignments.

Overall, this week's updates focus on improving regulatory efficiency through new standard permit pathways while further strengthening biosecurity controls for restricted seed imports through enhanced documentation and verification requirements.
 

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) - Suspension Update 

DAFF has advised that treatment provider Kinetik Cevresagligi Amb.Tar.Muh.Dan.San.Tic.Ltd.Sti. (AEI:TR4001SB) has been placed under review and the provider's status has been updated on the department's List of Treatment Providers. Importers, brokers and supply chain participants relying on treatment certificates issued by this provider should review the notice and closely monitor further DAFF updates, as the outcomes may have implications for consignments requiring recognised offshore treatment.
 

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages

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

• Meeting 104 2026 – Communique
• Meeting 104 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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