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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 continued expansion and refinement of the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS), alongside targeted updates to import conditions and ongoing system notifications impacting operational planning.
A key focus for members is the expansion of CBIS across multiple import pathways, including cosmetics, soaps, seafood products, and selected animal based commodities. These changes introduce greater use of document based assessment and clearer post assessment directions, aimed at improving efficiency while maintaining biosecurity oversight.
Further attention is drawn to updated import conditions and certification requirements, particularly for fresh produce and bivalve molluscs, along with reminders on the implementation of the dairy import risk review. These changes reinforce the importance of staying aligned with evolving BICON conditions and certification expectations.
Members should also note ongoing system outages and cancellations of scheduled disruptions, highlighting the need to closely monitor DAFF notifications and factor potential impacts into daily operations.
Summary
DAFF expands CBIS across Import Pathways
DAFF has confirmed the expansion of the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) to additional import pathways, including selected cosmetics, soaps, seafood (such as squid and cephalopods), and various animal-based commodities.
The updated approach introduces greater reliance on document-based assessments at import, aimed at improving efficiency while maintaining appropriate risk controls. Operational enhancements will also introduce clearer directions for consignments not selected for inspection, including a new "movement withheld - CBIS pending documentation" status from 30 June 2026.
There are no changes to import conditions, and members must continue to meet all existing requirements.
Read more HERE
IATA Changes to Direct Air Waybill Liability - Update 2 - FTA/APSA Meet with FIATA
FTA/APSA have escalated industry concerns regarding IATA's proposed Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) liability changes, which are scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026. Strong member feedback highlighted significant risks, particularly the misalignment between liability and operational control where forwarders act as agents, along with increased insurance and commercial uncertainty. FTA/APSA have raised these issues directly with FIATA, which has now formally called for a review of the changes, citing potential disruption across the air cargo supply chain. International advocacy is ongoing, with a formal reassessment process now underway and further updates to be provided as developments occur.
Read more HERE
Import Conditions Updates – Grapes and Bivalve Molluscs
Recent updates to BICON import conditions include expanded market access for fresh table grapes from the Republic of Korea, now covering additional varieties following a review of compliance and pre-export measures.
Separately, new certification and testing requirements apply to bivalve molluscs and related products from Ireland, effective 3 June 2026. These changes align with Australia's established certification frameworks and must be reflected in import documentation.
Read more HERE
Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) - Suspension Update
DAFF has advised of the suspension of Viet Nam Fumigation Company – Hai Phong (AEI: VN0008MB) under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), effective 4 June 2026.
Members should ensure that offshore treatments are conducted by approved providers, as the use of suspended providers may impact the validity of treatment certification and clearance outcomes.
Read more HERE.
Export Industry Notices - Micor Re-platforming and China Market Updates
Recent Export Industry Advice Notices include progress on the Micor Re-platforming Project, as well as updates to China import requirements under GACC Decree 280 covering dairy,seafood,honey and other prescribed goods.
These updates may impact certification processes, market access and export compliance requirements.
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.
System Notification - Scheduled Service Disruption
DAFF has issued multiple system notifications this week, including both scheduled and unplanned disruptions, as well as cancellations of previously scheduled outages impacting systems such as PEBS, COLS and DAFF messaging platforms.
Members should continue to monitor notifications and plan for potential impacts to lodgement and processing activities.
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.
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