23 October 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice affects biosecurity industry participants operating approved arrangements including freight and container depot operators, treatment providers, freight forwarders, importers and businesses receiving, storing, unpacking or handling imported containers and cargo.
What has changed?
There are no changes to import conditions or approved arrangement (AA) requirements through this notice.
The department is reminding industry operators handling imported containers and cargo to remain vigilant for Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) and unusual ant activity at their premises.
Why this is important
RIFA are one of the world's most serious invasive ants due to their potential impacts on people, the environment and the economy. A RIFA detection was confirmed by the department at an AA site in Strathfield, NSW on 25 September 2026.
How to identify Red Imported Fire Ants
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Industry operators should remain alert for ant activity when receiving, storing, opening, unpacking, handling or treating imported containers and cargo. Things that may indicate ant activity include:
- ants or ant nests in or around areas where imported containers and cargo are received, stored, unpacked or treated
- ants emerging from, travelling on or associated with imported containers, goods, packaging or other material
- unusual concentrations of ants or ant activity in and around container yards, hardstand areas and other freight-handling areas.
Identifying RIFA can be difficult. Industry operators should not rely on their own identification of a suspected ant before reporting it. Ant activity should be reported so it can be appropriately assessed.
What should you do if you suspect RIFA?
If you see ants or ant activity that you suspect may be RIFA or another suspected exotic ant:
- do not unnecessarily disturb the ants or nest
- avoid moving potentially affected goods, containers, equipment or other material where doing so could spread the ants
- where the detection involves goods subject to biosecurity control, follow the containment and notification requirements applying to your approved arrangement
- report the suspected detection through the appropriate biosecurity reporting channels.
Early reporting allows suspected detections to be assessed and, where necessary, appropriate surveillance, containment or treatment measures to be undertaken.
How to report suspected RIFA?
SEE. SECURE. REPORT.
Secure the goods to limit movement and immediately report your detection to the department on 1800 798 636.
Further information
For further information, please contact the department on 1800 900 090.