FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 22 - 02062026 - sponsored by Tutt Bryant Quarantine Services

Tuesday, June 2, 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's Biosecurity Report highlights upcoming changes to Community Protection Questions (CPQ) for soap and cosmetics imports, alongside important cost recovery updates and ongoing industry engagement through government led webinars.

A key focus for members is the planned revision of CP questions for soap and cosmetic products. These updates are intended to improve risk profiling by clarifying how responses are interpreted and better distinguishing between synthetic and biologically derived ingredients. The revised approach is expected to introduce greater differentiation for products containing animal derived materials, supporting more accurate biosecurity risk assessment and clearance pathways.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has confirmed indexation of the Sea Cargo Automation (SAC) cost recovery charge, with an increase to take effect from 1 July 2026. While modest, this adjustment will apply across applicable consignments and should be factored into forward cost planning.

Members should also note continued engagement activity across government agencies, including a series of ABF and broader trade focused webinars designed to support industry awareness of regulatory obligations and upcoming reforms. These sessions remain an important avenue for staying informed and engaging directly with policy and operational updates.
 


Summary

New CP questions - Soap and Cosmetics  

DAFF have confirmed plans to implement revised Community Protection (CP) questions for soap and cosmetic imports, following industry feedback on earlier trial questions. The updates aim to clarify risk classification by improving how Yes/No responses are interpreted, removing references to documentation, and excluding fully synthetic goods from the profiling pathway.

The revised approach introduces additional differentiation for cosmetics containing animal-derived ingredients, including thresholds based on composition, to better distinguish between lower and higher risk pathways. Updated questions for soaps will focus on whether products contain biologically derived ingredients rather than being fully synthetic.

DAFF is currently finalising an Import Industry Advice Notice, expected shortly, which will provide further detail on implementation arrangements.


Read more HERE


Changes to Biosecurity and imported food cost recovery charges - Indexation of the SAC cost recovery charge for the 2026-27 financial year     

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has advised that following its annual review of regulatory charges, the Sea Cargo Automation (SAC) cost recovery charge will increase to 38 cents from 1 July 2026, in line with indexation provisions for the 2026-27 financial year.

The existing exemption remains unchanged, with reporters lodging fewer than 278 SAC declarations per quarter continuing to be exempt. Further details are outlined in notifications 54-2026 Industry Advice Notice.

Read more HERE

 


Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) - Suspension Update

DAFF has issued an update under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), confirming the suspension of treatment provider C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB) as of 22 May 2026.

AFAS continues to play a critical role in managing offshore biosecurity risks by ensuring treatment providers meet required standards. Members should ensure that any treatments applied offshore are completed by currently approved providers, noting that suspended providers may impact the validity of treatment certification and clearance outcomes.

Read more HERE.

 

Export Industry Advice Notices - System Transition and Market Access Updates

Recent Export Industry Advice Notices highlight key operational changes, including the transition of meat and meat products to the NEXDOC system from 15 June 2026.

Additional updates include sourcing and harvesting restrictions impacting abalone exports from Tasmania, as well as the opening of application pathways for horticulture exports to New Zealand for commodities including bananas, capsicum, papaya and sweetcorn.

These updates may effect export documentation. lodgement processes and market eligibility, and members should review requirements to ensure compliance.

Read more HERE.
 

Import Industry Advice Notices - Reporting Enhancements and Biosecurity Updates

Following the completion of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's webinars on the biosecurity industry reporting enhancement to fee reporting, a total of six sessions were delivered, attracting 68 attendees.

Feedback has been positive, with early interest shown by at least one organisation seeking onboarding support. Members are encouraged to review the presentation materials and consider participating, noting that DAFF has confirmed its willingness to assist industry participants with onboarding and access. Further communication will be issued via an upcoming IIAN to confirm that the reporting capability is now live, with detailed guidance available on the DAFF Biosecurity industry reporting webpage.

 



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

The DCCC Communique and Meeting Minutes have published for the most recent meeting covering Inspector General of Biosecurity reviews, Digital modernisation and the STEPS program, Biosecurity operations, compliance and service delivery, Departmental priorities and reform agenda, forward focus for DCCC.

Read more HERE
 

System Notification - Scheduled Service Disruption

DAFF has advised of a scheduled service disruption affecting COLS, COLSB2G, MARS, OPS AND PEBS from Tuesday 02 June to Wednesday 03 June 2026.

Members should plan for potential delays to lodgement and processing activities during this period and factor these impacts into operational workflows.

Read more HERE.
 

Approved Arrangement Class 19 - Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) 2026-27   

DAFF has released the schedule for the next Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) activity for Approved Arrangement Class 19 accredited persons, with CBC 2026-27/01 to be available from Thursday 11 June 2026 via the Learnhub platform.

The CBC program continues to include both learning and assessment components, now delivered entirely through Learnhub following the transition away from external CBC providers.

All accredited persons are required to complete the activity by Thursday 23 July 2026, with failure to meet requirements potentially resulting in suspension or cancellation of accreditation, as well as administrative action against the Approved Arrangement holder.

Members should ensure timely completion of the activity and monito access to Learnhub to meet compliance obligations within the specified timeframe.

Read more HERE.
 


New Guidance material: A better practice guide to imported horticulture inspections  

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has released a new Better Practice Guide to support Approved Arrangements (class 2.4) and importers of horticultural produce and cut flowers in preparing for biosecurity inspections.

The guidance, also highlighted in the recent FTA notice, outlines practical steps to improve inspection readiness, streamline processes and reduce unnecessary complexity at inspection sites.

Adoption of these practices is expected to enhance inspection efficiency, contributing to faster cargo clearance, reduced delays and lower associated costs, while supporting compliance with class 2.4 operating conditions.

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.

01 June 2026 Report LOGINREQUIRED

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 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:

22 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 78-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended – C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB) 
18 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 73-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment providers under review – C & A Pest Exterminators (AEI: LK0008MB).
 
Notices:

- Exports:

28 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-23 Horticulture Exports - Established registration for the export of fresh vegetables to China
20 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-09 NEXDOC - Meat and Meat Products moving to NEXDOC on Monday 15 June 2026
20 May 2026 : DAFF - IAN 2026-02 NEXDOC – Meat and Meat Products moving to NEXDOC on Monday 15 June 2026

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

26 May 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 79-2026 Changes to the Listed Human Diseases Determination

- System Notifications:
 
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.

Process Change:

Update to BICON Import Permit Applications – Identification of authorised agents - Commencing May 16

From 16 May 2026, a new mandatory question will be included in all application forms.

The question asks the applicant to identify whether they are 'an agent acting on behalf of an importer'.

The purpose of this change is to ensure agents confirm they are authorised by the importer to act on their behalf before lodging an application and that permit conditions are communicated to the importer.  Refer HERE for more information 

Case Alerts: 

Addition of Orthohantavirus andesense to the Biosecurity ( Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2026

Orthohantavirus andesense has been added to the Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2026.
This list is referenced in import conditions and BICON pathways, meaning updates will be required for affected pathways and existing import permits. Impacted permit holders will be contacted directly by the department with next steps.

The change is relevant to importers (standard and non standard permits), customs brokers, and cargo assessment and inspection functions, particularly for goods such as human tissues, laboratory materials, test kits, and related biological products.

Further updates will be provided via BICON alerts and Industry Advice Notices.
 
Changes to manage the risk posed by Moko disease on nursery stock

Enhanced Biosecurity controls will apply to nursery stock host genera for Ralstonia solanacearum phylotype II (moko strains), with updated terminology and strengthened requirements including country freedom certification, PCR testing, or 12-month post-entry quarantine for higher-risk origins. These measures follow a review of host species and affected countries, with revised conditions applying to consignments certified on or after this date.



Case Changes: 

Removal of the DDLS lab from the department approved seed purity testing laboratories list

A new BICON pathway has been added under the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance case to manage shipborne dunnage, including a new scenario question to guide users to specific requirements.

There are no changes to existing policy or processes. The update consolidates requirements into one location and aligns breakbulk timber packaging conditions, including clarification of ISPM 15 marking and treatment options.

Applies to operators, importers, brokers, and other BICON users handling shipborne dunnage.

Update to BICON case : Fresh coconut and coconut meat

The Department has updated BICON import conditions for fresh coconut and coconut meat to align inspection options under onshore outcomes. The key change is the inclusion of AA Class 2.4 facilities (Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Cut Flowers) as an approved inspection location for airfreight consignments.

This update impacts importers, customs brokers and DAFF cargo assessment and inspection staff, and is intended to provide greater consistency and flexibility in inspection location options.

 

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 

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