SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

The BIERS App has been developed to provide an electronic link between licenced treatment providers and the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This App enables licenced treatment providers to provide the department with additional levels of assurance when lodging completed treatment paperwork. READ MORE

If this is something that may interest you or your treatment provider reach out and give us a call 0409 447 987

Dear *|FNAME|*

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

The Department issued several key biosecurity updates, including the start of the Burnt Pine Longicorn flight season, clarification that flat racks are out of scope for Class 14.4 rural tailgate inspections, with revised guidance for prefabricated units and modified containers during the 2025–26 BMSB season. The Biosecurity Industry Reporting Portal has been upgraded with new dashboards, login options, and access controls to improve data visibility and accuracy.

DAFF also announced the launch of the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia on 7 November 2025, promoting stronger government–industry collaboration, and opened consultation on the remake of four key biosecurity instruments ahead of their 2026 sunset.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.

Summary

Flat Racks Out of Scope for Class 14.4 Rural Tailgate Inspections

The Department has reminded accredited persons that flat rack consignments are out of scope for Approved Arrangement Class 14.4 – Rural Tailgate Inspections. The Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance BICON case does not include class 14.4 sites as an onshore outcome, and when lodging under Class 19.1, the concern code RURL must be used.

Key points:

Flat racks: Out of scope for Class 14.4 rural tailgate inspections.
Prefabricated office/accommodation units: Still managed under the Prefabricated office, accommodation units and caravans BICON case; if destined for a rural area, a departmental rural tailgate inspection is required.
Modified containers (BMSB season only, 1 Sep – 30 Apr): Treated as break bulk cargo if shipped from BMSB target-risk countries and containing target high-risk goods.

For operational enquiries, contact:

Class 19.1: Class19@aff.gov.au
Class 14.4: Tailgate@aff.gov.au
BMSB measures: HPP@aff.gov.au

This clarification aims to prevent incorrect rural tailgate bookings and ensure compliance during the 2025-26 BMSB season.

Biosecurity Industry Reporting – October 2025 Update

There has been a recent update on the Biosecurity Industry Reporting system, as part of the Simplified Targeting & Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) digital reform program.

Key changes and highlights:

•   Expanded reporting functions: The Biosecurity Portal now provides three interactive reports for accredited persons under Approved Arrangement Class 19:
o   Cargo Status Tracker – summary and detailed view of each entry's biosecurity status.
o   Brokerage Overview – visibility of all in-progress entries referred to the department.
o   Fee Reporting & Class 19.2 usage – view all fees and see entries eligible but not processed under Class 19.2.
•   New authentication options: Access is now available through both MyID digital identity and a new secure email login for "other users."
•   Access control improvements: Approved Arrangement (AA) Managers can now manage visibility by approving users through the Contacts in AAMP list—users must be added as both an accredited person and a site contact.
•   Upcoming support materials: The department will release user guides, help cards, and FAQs, and host future information sessions to assist industry with the transition.

These enhancements are designed to improve data visibility, accuracy, and security, giving customs brokers and accredited persons faster access to real-time cargo status and departmental referral information.

Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia - Webinar

The Department has announced the official launch of the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia, to be held online on Friday 7 November 2025 (10:30–11:30am AEDT) as part of the 2025 National Biosecurity Forum.

The new Pledge represents a key milestone in strengthening collaboration between government and industry to promote proactive biosecurity practices across business operations and supply chains. The launch will showcase how organisations can integrate biosecurity risk management into their daily practices and demonstrate leadership in safeguarding Australia's environment, agriculture, and economy.

To confirm your participation in the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia launch, please send your registration details directly to bbn@aff.gov.au

The National Biosecurity Forum will be held between 5^th – 7^th of November in Canberra, will gather key stakeholders to explore reforms and priorities under the National Biosecurity Strategy, including sustainable funding, research and innovation, and emergency response reforms. The event will also feature the Australian Biosecurity Awards and the launch of the Biosecurity Business Network. A communique summarising the discussions will be released following the forum.

Proposed Remake of Sunsetting Biosecurity Instruments

The Department has released a consultation on the proposed remake of four key biosecurity legislative instruments, which are due to sunset on 1 October 2026.

The review covers:

Biosecurity Regulation 2016
Biosecurity (Movements between Parts of Australian Territory) Declaration 2016
Biosecurity (Exposed Conveyance – Exceptions from Biosecurity Control) Determination 2016
Biosecurity (Reportable Biosecurity Incidents) Determination 2016

DAFF intends to replace these with updated 2026 versions incorporating a mix of narrowed, expanded, and technical amendments to ensure the framework remains effective and proportionate to biosecurity risk.

Why this matters:

These instruments form the backbone of Australia's operational biosecurity framework — defining how goods, conveyances, and people are managed at the border. Any changes may directly affect reporting requirements, compliance responsibilities, and the way biosecurity risks are assessed and managed across the supply chain.

FTA will be lodging feedback on behalf of members and encourages input from industry participants including freight forwarders, customs brokers, importers, and Biosecurity Industry Participants.

Members are invited to send feedback to Sal Milici (smilici@ftalliance.com.au) by Thursday 28 November 2025 for inclusion in the FTA submission. For more information read HERE.

Commencement of the 2025–26 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) Flight Season

DAFF has announced the start of the 2025–26 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) beetle flight season, running from 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026. Heightened surveillance will apply to vessels, timber, and timber products arriving from New Zealand during this period.

All timber consignments loaded on or after 1 November 2025 must comply with the relevant BICON case: Timber and timber products imported from New Zealand during BPL flight season. Exemptions apply to cargo loaded or sealed in containers before the commencement date.

From 29 October 2025 to 10 May 2026, targeted vessels lodging Pre-Arrival Reports (PAR) through MARS will receive a BPL Questionnaire, with directions on inspection or risk-mitigation measures issued via the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD). Vessel masters and crews are urged to remain vigilant, inspect dark or sheltered areas for adult beetles, and promptly report any detections to DAFF by phone (1800 798 636), online form, or via their shipping agent.

Failure to comply with BPL reporting or Biosecurity Act 2015 requirements may result in penalties. Further information, including import conditions and vessel reporting guidance, is available on the department's website and through BICON. Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

27 October 2025 Report LOGIN REQUIRED

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. GST) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. GST) per customs broker licensing period. Please email Caroline at CZalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

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

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) brings together DAFF and industry representatives to address biosecurity issues impacting trade and logistics with the purpose to ensure effective biosecurity regulation without unnecessary trade barriers. FTA proudly represents the freight and trade sector on this vital committee.

The DCCC meets a minimum of three times per year with out-of-session meetings scheduled as necessary. In 2025, three meetings are scheduled for 3 April, 31 July and 27 November.

Following are the latest DCCC Meeting minutes, communiques and papers:

Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):

AFAS is a bilateral arrangement between DAFF and participating overseas government agencies. AFAS manages the high biosecurity risk posed by ineffective treatments performed offshore.

Treatment providers registered and listed as approved is available on the List of treatment providers.

- Recent Reviews and/or Suspensions:

24 October 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 361-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – CV Prisma Karya Linarius (AEI: ID0059MB)

Notices:

- Exports:

To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.

- Imports:

Reminder - Stay Updated on Import & Export Conditions:
> Import Conditions via BICON:

Members are encouraged to reference BICON, Australia's biosecurity import conditions database, for any specific commodity concerns or changes related to Import Industry Advice Notices.
BICON provides up-to-date Australian biosecurity import conditions to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.

> Export Conditions via Micor:

Members are encouraged to regularly consult Micor (Manual of Importing Country Requirements) for the latest export requirements, certification details, and market access conditions for specific commodities.

Micor is DAFF's central resource for ensuring compliance with overseas import regulations—helping exporters stay informed, avoid delays, and maintain access to key markets.

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.

FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 42 281025 - sponsored by B.I.E.R.S.