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
With the 2025–26 BMSB season now underway, industry attention is firmly on managing seasonal biosecurity risks alongside key regulatory developments. This week's report covers the Department's September update on Illegal Logging compliance, a reminder of the See. Secure. Report. campaign, confirmation of new plant commodities entering CBIS, changes to COLS lodgement for Ship/Aircraft Stores and Carnet entries, and a leadership update with the pending departure of DAFF Secretary Adam Fennessy.
We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Illegal Logging – Six Months On
The Department has recently released its E-Update for September 2025, noting that it's been six months since the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 and new rules took effect (from 3 March 2025). The initial "education-first" transition period has now ended, so importers and processors should ensure their due diligence systems fully align with the amended framework.
The Department reiterates a supportive, risk-based compliance approach (guided by its Compliance Policy and Regulatory Practice Statement) but stresses that due diligence is not a tick-box exercise—it's a core risk-management tool that protects reputation, market access and supply-chain integrity, and should be dynamic and intelligence-driven. Guidance, factsheets and contact channels are available, and stakeholders are encouraged to share the Illegal Logging updates subscription. Read more HERE.
- See. Secure. Report. – DAFF Campaign Reminder
With BMSB season now in full swing, this is a timely reminder about the See. Secure. Report. campaign by DAFF. If your clients find any unusual bugs or pests within their consignments, it is critical that they act quickly: - See – notice anything unusual.
- Secure – contain the goods to prevent spread.
- Report – notify authorities, even if you are unsure.
Pests and diseases can spread rapidly over large distances, so reporting promptly is essential to protecting Australia's agriculture, environment, and trade.
Report by phoning 1800 798 636 or by completing the online form at agriculture.gov.au/report
Watch DAFF's campaign video here: See. Secure. Report.
- New Plant Commodities Added to CBIS
The Department has confirmed that new commodities will be added to the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) from 10 September 2025.
The new additions are: - Retail-ready powdered plant products =500g (tariff codes 0904.22.00.05, 0904.22.00.04, 0910.12.00.12, 0910.30.00.03)
- Frozen fruit and vegetable products (tariff headings 0710, 0714, 0811, 0814)
Further details can be found on the CBIS webpage or by subscribing to the relevant BICON cases.
Enquiries: CBIS@aff.gov.au | 1800 900 090
- COLS Lodgement Changes – Ship/Aircraft Stores & Carnet Entries
From 7 October 2025, Biosecurity Industry Participants (BIPs) lodging documentation for Transhipment of Ship or Aircraft Stores and Carnet entries will be required to use the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS).
These entry types will no longer be processed through the Import Assessment inbox, removing the coversheet requirement and allowing payment at the time of lodgement. BIPs submitting Full Import Declarations will also notice new options for Temporary Importation – Carnet and Transhipment of Ship or Aircraft Stores.
The enhancement, delivered under the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program, aims to streamline processes and improve integration across cargo clearance systems. FAQs are available on the COLS webpage.
Read more HERE.
Adam Fennessy will finish his term as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 26 September 2025, with The Hon Julie Collins MP confirming he will step aside on leave in the coming weeks. His departure, announced Thursday, 4 September 2025, marks the end of his two-year tenure. Justine Saunders APM will act as Secretary of the Department until a replacement is appointed. Read more HERE.
FTA values the working relationship we had with Adam and sincerely thanks him for his contribution to the industry. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
Pictured L to R - Bianca Flint (Member Services - Trade Operations FTA), Adam Fennessy (DAFF Secretary), and Paul Zalai (Director and Co-Founder FTA)
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