FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 16 - 21042026 - sponsored by Luckens Fumigation Services

Tuesday, April 21, 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 edition of the Biosecurity Report highlights a strong operational emphasis from DAFF, with continued focus on inspection readiness, accurate lodgements and coordination across supply chains to support accelerated clearances amid ongoing global shipping disruption.

This week's data shows a significant increase in cargo declarations lodged, alongside a decline in entries awaiting assessment — a positive outcome given assessment volumes would ordinarily be expected to rise in line with higher lodgements, even when factoring in the extended ICS messaging delays experienced on Thursday 16 April.

Summary

Accelerated Biosecurity Clearances for Imports

DAFF has issued a reminder to importers, customs brokers, Approved Arrangement operators and biosecurity industry participants of their existing obligations to support the priority clearance of essential goods. The notice is driven by continued disruption to global shipping routes linked to conflict in the Middle East and reinforces the department's expectation that industry fundamentals are met to minimise avoidable delays.
Operationally, the notice places renewed emphasis on complete and accurate documentary lodgements, adequate resourcing at Approved Arrangement sites, and ensuring goods are genuinely inspection-ready at booked times. Practical inspection guidance — including selecting "Next Available" inspection slots where possible, pallet presentation requirements and on-site assistance — highlights DAFF's focus on maximising inspection efficiency and maintaining cargo flow during periods of heightened pressure. Read more HERE.

Biosecurity Industry Reporting – Industry Sessions (STEPS Program)

On 5 and 6 May DAFF is hosting online industry sessions focused on recent enhancements to the Biosecurity Industry Reporting tool under the STEPS Program, with particular emphasis on the new fee reporting functionality. The sessions are targeted at Approved Arrangement Class 19 accredited persons and will include a live demonstration of system capabilities.

The updated reporting features provide improved visibility of in-progress entries, directions and intervention status, alongside a service-view record of fees associated with biosecurity interventions. DAFF is actively seeking feedback from frontline users, making these sessions a practical opportunity for industry to help shape further system improvements. Read more HERE.

Military Maritime Arrivals – Port of Darwin

DAFF has announced the establishment of a dedicated Military Operations Section (MOS) to manage biosecurity inspections and operational support for military maritime arrivals at the Port of Darwin, effective from 20 April 2026. The change applies specifically to inspection activities for Australian and foreign military vessels.
The new arrangements are intended to provide clearer points of contact and a more coordinated approach to managing military-related biosecurity activities, while existing arrangements for military cargo operations, travellers and aircraft clearance remain unchanged. Read more HERE.

Heat Treatment Applications Now Available on ProviderHub

DAFF has expanded the functionality of the ProviderHub platform to allow heat treatment applications to be submitted online under AusTreat, alongside existing fumigation registrations. This follows the initial rollout of ProviderHub in March and represents a further move away from paper-based registration processes.
The update simplifies registration for pre-border biosecurity treatment providers and improves consistency in the management of registration information across treatment pathways. Controlled atmosphere registrations will continue to be managed under existing processes. Read more HERE.

Updated Inorganic Fertiliser Management Policy

DAFF has released an updated import policy and revised import conditions for inorganic (chemical and mined) fertilisers, with the new requirements to apply to goods loaded on or after 30 April 2026. The updated policy, supporting documents and a summary of changes are now available on the department's website.
The notice provides clarity on pre-load requirements and transitional arrangements, confirming that goods already on water or loaded prior to 30 April 2026 will be assessed against existing conditions. Importers, brokers and offshore providers are encouraged to review the updated policy carefully to ensure cargo planned for shipment after the commencement date aligns with the revised requirements. Read more HERE.

Imported Food – Failing Food Report (February 2026)

The failing food report for February 2026 has been published, detailing food that did not meet requirements under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme during the reporting period. The report provides transparency on compliance outcomes and serves as a reference point for importers and brokers managing food consignments subject to inspection. 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.

20 April 2026 Report LOGIN REQUIRED

2026-2027 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 the team at training@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. The next meeting is scheduled for the 30th of April 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:

24 March 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 49-2026: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – Strike Fumigation & Pest Control Pte Limited Suva Branch (AEI: FJ0016MB])

Notices:

- Exports:

No new export advice notices have been published during the past seven days.

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

- System Notifications:

15 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 77-2026: Scheduled Outage: Friday 17 April 2026 – Biosecurity Portal (digital identity), AA Class 14.4 outcomes, EVE
15 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 78-2026: Scheduled Service Disruption: Friday 17 April to Saturday 18 April 2026 – Multiple Systems
20 April 2026 : DAFF - ISN 79-2026: Scheduled Service Disruption: Wednesday 22 April to Thursday 23 April 2026 – Multiple Systems

BICON Watch – Weekly Case Updates

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:

No new biosecurity or imported food case alerts were issued in the past seven days.

Case Changes:
No new import condition changes have been published during the past seven days.

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.

Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA

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