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 update brings together key developments across illegal logging compliance, biosecurity operations, agricultural exports, and international climate engagement. DAFF has released its November Illegal Logging E-Update ahead of the upcoming information sessions, outlining major global enforcement activity and reminding industry of available compliance resources.
Additional updates include departmental guidance on random BMSB verification inspections, revised contact details for export certification support, enhanced biosecurity screening at Tasmania's airports, and Australia's climate-smart agriculture initiatives showcased at COP30. These announcements reflect the government's continuing focus on safeguarding supply chains, strengthening biosecurity protections, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
We hope you enjoy this week's report.
Summary - Illegal Logging E-Update – November 2025
The Department has issued its latest Illegal Logging E-Update ahead of the upcoming live information sessions on 19 November 2025. These sessions will provide an overview of recent legislative reforms, key compliance insights, and practical guidance for customs brokers, importers, and processors navigating Australia's illegal logging laws.
Internationally, illegal logging remains a significant global challenge. Recent reports highlight serious compliance concerns across multiple regions, including alleged unlawful timber exports from Colombia, un-authorised logging in Papua New Guinea, ongoing illegal operations in the Brazilian Amazon, and thousands of recorded cases along the Thailand–Cambodia border. Additional incidents were reported across Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Uganda, Montenegro, Cuba, and the Philippines, involving arrests, corruption charges, and seizure of timber and equipment.
DAFF has encouraged industry to revisit its illegal logging webpages for compliance resources and to share the subscription link with colleagues who may benefit from future updates. Read more HERE.
- BMSB Random Verification Inspections – Departmental Advice
The Department has highlighted that random BMSB verification inspections are routinely applied to goods originating from emerging risk countries. These inspections support the broader verification program by assessing treatment efficacy, monitoring changes in BMSB behaviour, validating pathway risks, and refining targeting for future seasons. They are not directed at any particular supplier, customs broker, or importer. Exemptions are not granted, as the data collected is essential to informing and strengthening BMSB measures.
Consignments selected for a random BMSB inspection may be eligible to be inspected at the importer's premises, provided the location can safely facilitate a seals-intact inspection under departmental supervision. This can help industry to minimise double handling, reduce additional costs, and avoid unnecessary delays. Approval for an inspection at a non-Approved Arrangement site must be sought directly from the relevant local inspectorate.
The below is the email contact list of the relevant local inspectorates:
VIC - southeast.inspectionsupport@aff.gov.au
NSW - cepost@aff.gov.au
QLD - nerctl@aff.gov.au
SA - cargosa@aff.gov.au
Perth - westinspadminmailbox@aff.gov.au
NT - ntcargo@aff.gov.au
This approach balances Australia's biosecurity requirements with operational flexibility to support smoother supply chain movements.
- Updated Contact Details for Assessment Services Exports
DAFF has reminded exporters and relevant stakeholders to update their contact lists following the full decommissioning of the previous Assessment Services Exports number (1800 851 306). All export certification enquiries must now be directed to 1800 900 090 during business hours (8:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, in the relevant time zone).
Urgent after-hours certification support continues to be available via 03 8317 8310. A temporary recorded message remains in place on the old number to redirect callers. Read more HERE.
- New Biosecurity X-Ray Technology Deployed at Tasmania's Airports
Tasmania has boosted its frontline biosecurity capabilities with the installation of new produce x-ray machines at Hobart and Launceston Airports. The technology enables biosecurity officers to scan the hand luggage of arriving passengers for prohibited plant material and other risks that could threaten the state's agriculture sector.
The x-ray rollout is timed for the higher-risk spring and summer months and complements existing measures, allowing detector dogs to focus on carousel baggage while officers screen carry-on items at the gate. DAFF emphasised that the upgraded technology strengthens Tasmania's layered biosecurity system.
- Australia's Climate-Smart Agriculture Advocacy at COP30
Australia is using COP30 in Belem, Brazil to showcase its leadership in climate-smart agriculture and strengthen global collaboration across the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. DAFF's participation highlights the government's commitment to supporting farmers with practical, science-based approaches to emissions reduction, resilience, and sustainable production.
Australia will present examples of climate-smart innovation across multiple COP30 venues, promoting practices tailored to regional ecological, cultural and economic conditions. A series of DAFF-led events throughout 14–20 November will explore key themes including sustainable food systems, soil health, sustainable timber in construction, integrated land-use planning, Pacific fisheries resilience, and the role of advanced climate modelling in helping farmers adapt to a changing climate.
Through these engagements, Australia aims to share expertise, build regional capacity, and strengthen partnerships to support long-term agricultural sustainability and climate resilience. Read more HERE. |