FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 28 - 13072026 sponsored by Clear.ai

Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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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 in Biosecurity has focused on compliance, import policy reviews, seasonal BMSB preparedness and export system modernisation.

DAFF issued further compliance advice relating to Indian fumigation providers, including the suspension of M/s Kirpal Pest Control (AEI:IN0455MB) and guidance for managing affected in-transit consignments. These developments reinforce the importance of verifying offshore treatment provider status before shipment.

With the 2026-27 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season approaching, INTRESO, in collaboration with DAFF, announced a series of eFUME® information sessions and live fumigation demonstrations to be held across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane during July and August. The sessions will provide industry participants with an opportunity to better understand treatment requirements and seasonal readiness ahead of increased BMSB risk periods.

On the imports front, DAFF announced a review of the assistance animal (cats and dogs) import pathway, while confirming there are no changes to companion pet import arrangements. Additional plant biosecurity measures included the approval of new testing laboratories in the Czech Republic and Thailand for tomato and capsicum seed pathogen testing.

Export activity centred on upcoming Micor platform migrations, updated health certification requirements for dairy exports to Singapore as DAFF continues to modernise export certification processes.

Industry participants should also note the planned PEBS outage on 15-16 July, alongside recent enhancements to import processing arrangements, including new form for Document Assessment Outside Business Hours and updated COLS lodgement requirements for privateer and diplomat UPEs.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.


Summary

BMSB information sessions and live demonstrations

In preparation for the upcoming Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season, INTRESO, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), will be hosting a series of eFUME® Information Sessions followed by a live fumigation demonstration.

Sessions are planned for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane during late July and August, however places will be limited, and registrations will be accepted subject to venue capacity. If you are interested in attending, please contact Swasti Pandya at swasti.pandya@intreso.com to register your interest. Confirmed dates, venues and event details will be provided once finalised.

Read MORE


Compliance and Import Updates

DAFF issued further compliance notices for Indian fumigation providers, including guidance on managing in-transit consignments and the suspension of M/s Kirpal Pest Control (AEI:IN0455MB). Importers should ensure treatments are completed by approved providers to avoid clearance delays. Additional import Updates included a new Document Assessment Outside Business Hours form and changes to the lodgement process for privateer and diplomat UPE's through COLS.

Read more HERE 

Operational and Policy Updates - Imports

The Department has commenced a review of Australia's import pathway for assistance cats and dogs, with no impact on companion pet imports. DAFF also approved new authorised laboratories in the Czech Republic and Thailand for seed pathogen testing, expanding testing options for tomato and capsicum seed imports.

Read more HERE


System Notifications - Planned Outages

DAFF advised industry of a scheduled outage affecting PEBS from 15-16 July 2026, while services impacted by the earlier COLS disruption were successfully restored. Industry participants should continue to monitor system notifications and plan lodgement activities around maintenance windows to minimise operational disruptions.
 


BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates

This week's case changes were relatively limited but included the authorisation of additional overseas laboratories for seed pathogen testing in support of tomato and capsicum seed imports. The update expands recognised testing capacity while maintaining existing import biosecurity requirements and certification standards.
 


Export Industry Notices

Export developments this week were largely focused on market access and system modernisation initiatives. DAFF announced the migration of several commodity programs to the Micor platform on 16 July 2026, including dairy and eggs pathway updates. Additional notices covered revised Health certificate requirements for infant formula exports to China via Cross-Border E-commerce, updated certification arrangements for milk and milk products exported to Malaysia, and temporary import testing requirements for live oysters exported to Singapore.

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.

13 July 2026 Report LOGIN REQUIRED 

2026-2027 FTA Online CPD Training Packages

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and 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 training for the cost of only $300 (excl. GST) per customs broker licensing period. Please email the team at training@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

2026-2027 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)

As published on the DAFF CBC webpage, CBC 2026-27/01 , it is now open for completion from Thursday, 11 June 2026 on Learnhub.

Effective this year, the CBC activity includes both the learning and assessment component, which will only be delivered through the department's education and training platform, Learnhub.

All accredited persons must complete the CBC activity by Thursday, 23 July 2026.

Failure to meet CBC requirements will result in suspension or cancellation of approved arrangement class 19 accreditation. It may also result in administrative actions against the approved arrangement holder.

DAFF has also indicated that the CBC activity will attract 2 CPD points in Stream A . The certificate of completion will reflect the 2 points awarded.

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. The next meeting is scheduled for 2 September 2026. 

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:

13 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN 118-2026 Management of in-transit consignments treated by certain Indian Fumigation providers
08 July 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 117-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended - M/s Kirpal Pest Control (AEI:IN0455MB)
 
Notices:

- Exports:


10 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN : 2026-17 Micor platform migration on Thursday 16 July 2026
09 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN :MAA 2026-17:Dairy:Health certificate requirements for all infant formula powder products exported to China via Cross-Border E-commerce
09 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN :MAA 2026-16: Milk and Milk products:Malaysia:Updated Health certificate from 15 July 2026
09 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN : 2026-18:Dairy:Micor platform migration on Thursday 16 July 2026
09 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN : 2026-10: Eggs:Micor platform migration on Thursday 16 July 2026
08 July 2026 : DAFF - MAA:2026-04 Fish and Fish products:Singapore:Temporary import testing for live oysters harvested from Port Douglas shellfish harvesting area, South Australia.

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


13 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 119-2026 Document Assessment Outside Business Hours - New Form
08 July 2026 : DAFF - IIAN : 116-2026 Privateer and Diplomat lodged UPEs now lodged in Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS)
 
To support customs brokers and importers in staying ahead of operational changes, we have introduced a weekly snapshot of BICON case updates issued in the past seven days. This section will highlight newly added conditions, revised import pathways, and notable treatment or permit changes that may affect lodgements and client advice.

Case Alerts: 

Review of the import pathway for assistance animals (cats and dogs)

The Department is reviewing Australia's import pathway for assistance cats and dogs and has released Industry Advice Notice 112-2026. The review applies only to assistance animals and does not affect companion pet imports.
 
Case Changes: 
 

New authorised seed pathogen testing laboratories in Czech Republic and Thailand

Effective 9 July 2026, the Department has authorised two additional laboratories in the Czech Republic and Thailand to conduct testing for tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) on tomato and capsicum seeds imported into Australia. Test reports issued by these laboratories will now be accepted as valid evidence of testing. This change effects imports of tomato, wild tomato, and capsicum seed for sowing.
 

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.

Lucy Robinson - Licensed Customs Broker
Head of Border, Biosecurity & Logistics - FTA / APSA

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