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
DAFF is investigating the discovery of Khapra Beetle larvae in a Woolworths nappy product – a timely reminder of the serious impact invasive pests could have on Australia's grain and plant industries. We're also highlighting the upcoming STEPS webinars, DAFF's advice on packing declaration formatting and endorsements, and the NSW Biosecurity Action Plan 2025, which outlines how the state is stepping up its defence against pests, weeds, and diseases.
We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Khapra Beetle Larvae Found in Woolworths Nappy Product
DAFF has launched a biosecurity investigation after invasive Khapra Beetle larvae were discovered in Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants – Walker Size 5 (42pk), sold exclusively through Woolworths stores. The detection was made on 7 September, and all remaining stock was immediately removed from shelves and secured under DAFF direction.
Khapra Beetle is one of the world's most destructive pests of stored grain and dry foodstuffs and is not present in Australia. Establishment here could have catastrophic impacts on Australia's grains and plant industries, with the potential to halt exports and cause multi-billion-dollar losses.
Woolworths and importer Ontex are cooperating with DAFF to trace, quarantine, and treat all goods associated with the shipment to prevent any spread. Customers are urged not to use the affected nappy pants or dispose of them in household waste — instead, seal the goods and packaging and report via 1800 798 636.
While Khapra Beetles can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, they do not pose an immediate risk to human health. Read more HERE.
- Simplified Targeting Enhanced Processing System (STEPS) Webinar Series – October 2025
DAFF has invited Biosecurity Industry Participants to attend a series of STEPS Program webinars in October 2025.
The webinars aim to: - Share program progress and showcase delivered products
- Present industry feedback and actions taken in response
- Provide a forum for open Q&A and collaborative problem-solving
- Strengthen engagement between DAFF and industry to improve import processing
Three sessions are scheduled: - Wed 1 Oct, 2:00–3:00 pm AEST
- Thu 2 Oct, 9:00–10:00 am AEST
- Tue 7 Oct, 10:00–11:00 am AEST
Registration is online, with confirmation emails providing secure access links.
For further details, see IIAN 324-2025 or email STEPS@aff.gov.au (subject: "STEPS Round Tables").
- Packing Declaration Formatting & Endorsement Guidance
We were recently involved in an interesting member enquiry where a member asked whether a packing declaration could be partially completed online and then finalised manually by hand.
The Department has confirmed that official documentation cannot be altered by unauthorised persons. Under Section 1.5 of the Minimum Documentary & Import Declaration Requirements Policy, any changes must be formally endorsed by the issuing company or relevant government authority, with a stamp/seal and signature (including printed name) applied adjacent to the alteration.
While the policy does not specifically address formatting differences, DAFF has advised that partially electronic/partially handwritten declarations can be accepted, provided there have been no unendorsed alterations after the original completion and endorsement. Officers may question documents with mixed fonts or inconsistent formatting if authenticity is unclear.
Industry is advised to: - Assess documents holistically alongside the import declaration.
- Request new documentation if there are any concerns regarding authenticity or possible unendorsed alterations.
- Direct consignments for onshore management if compliant documentation cannot be obtained (via the Non-commodity Cargo Clearance BICON case).
DAFF has provided a link to its Frequently Asked Questions page for further guidance on endorsement, multi-page documents, and letterhead requirements.
This advice aims to avoid unnecessary delays and potential non-compliance by ensuring documentation is complete, consistent, and endorsed correctly.
- NSW Biosecurity Action Plan 2025
NSW has released its Biosecurity Action Plan 2025, outlining a coordinated strategy to tackle rising pest, weed, and disease threats.
Focus areas: rapid threat detection and response, stronger statewide compliance, clarifying shared responsibility, better data access, long-term risk planning, and coordinated leadership across sectors.
Why it matters: invasive species cost NSW $1.9B annually, threaten biodiversity, agriculture, and human health.
Action for stakeholders: Look, Learn, Act – monitor for unusual pests/diseases, understand General Biosecurity Duty, and report issues promptly to protect NSW's economy, environment, and communities. Read more HERE. |