FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 27 - 07072026 sponsored by OneStop

Tuesday, July 7, 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 been marked by a combination of regulatory change, strengthened biosecurity controls, and continued digital systems activity across both import and export pathways.

Legislative reform also remained in focus, with the Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026 referred to a Senate inquiry, advancing proposed measures aimed at modernising biosecurity processes and improving operational efficiency across Australia's biosecurity system.

A key development is the commencement of revised biosecurity and imported food regulatory charges from 1 July 2026, with most fees increasing through annual indexation and several new charges introduced as part of DAFF's cost recovery framework. Industry stakeholders should review the new charging arrangements and consider the impact on operational costs and client pricing.

Import policy activity has centred on a review of the assistance animal import pathway for cats and dogs, alongside significant new biosecurity measures for Xylella host nursery stock. Following a comprehensive pest risk analysis, DAFF has announced phased implementation of enhanced testing, certification and laboratory requirements to better manage one of Australia's highest-priority plant pest threats.

BICON activity remains particularly active, with updates spanning plant species classified as weeds, fresh produce pathways, government certification arrangements for bivalve molluscs, CBIS enhancements across a range of commodities, and expanded market access opportunities for Korean pears and melons. The continued expansion of the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) highlights DAFF's ongoing focus on rewarding compliant importers through reduced intervention rates and more streamlined clearance processes.

A further compliance development this week is the suspension of another offshore treatment provider under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), reinforcing the importance of verifying treatment provider status before arranging offshore fumigation treatments.

System availability remains an operational consideration, with several planned outages and service disruptions affecting DAFF messaging services, COLS, COLSB2G, Biosecurity Portal and associated platforms. Export stakeholders should also note the commencement of the GSAMS Scheme, ongoing NEXDOC implementation impacts for meat exports, and updated certification requirements for grape and citrus exports to Japan under in-transit cold treatment arrangements.

We hope you enjoy this week's report.


Summary

Biosecurity Amendment Bill 2026 Referred for Senate Inquiry

The Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026 has been referred to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee for inquiry. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, emphasised that proposed reforms are designed to support a more modern and responsive biosecurity system, including the earlier collection of traveller information through digital declarations to improve border risk assessment and decision-making.
The Bill also introduces a notice-of-intention process for Approved Arrangement decisions, aimed at enhancing transparency, procedural fairness and regulatory consistency. FTA/APSA will continue to monitor the inquiry process and keep members informed of any developments and opportunities for industry engagement.

Read more HERE Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026
 

Biosecurity Charges commence and Xylella Controls strengthened

DAFF has implemented revised biosecurity and imported food regulatory changes from 1 July 2026, including annual indexation increases and a range of new and amended fees across several import pathways. At the same time, the department has announced significant new biosecurity measures for Xylella host nursery stock following a pest risk analysis of this high-priority plant pest threat. The changes introduce enhanced testing, certification and laboratory requirements that will be progressively implemented over the coming years. These developments reinforce DAFF's continued focus on cost recovery, risk-based regulation and strengthened protection of Australia's plant health status.

Read more HERE

Operational and Policy Updates - Imports

Import related notices this week focused on the review of import arrangements for assistance of animals and introduction of strengthened import requirements for Xylella host nursery stock. These updates reflect DAFF's ongoing commitment to balancing trade facilitation with robust biosecurity protections and ensuring import pathways remain fit for purpose as emerging risks evolve.

Read more HERE


System Notifications - Planned Outages

Several scheduled outages and service disruptions were advised during the week, affecting DAFF messaging services, COLS, COLSB2G, AAMP, BCST, the Biosecurity Portal and EVE. Industry participants should continue to monitor system notifications closely and plan lodgement activities around scheduled maintenance windows to minimise operational disruption.
 


BICON Watch - Weekly Case updates

BICON updates this week included a broad mix of operational improvements, market access enhancements and compliance pathway refinements. Key changes include the addition of two newly assessed weed species to the prohibited import list, further expansion of CBIS across multiple commodity pathways, updated approved source listings for tissue cultures, expanded export opportunities for Korean pears and melons, and clarification of certification arrangements for bivalve mollusc imports. Several administrative updates were also introduced to improve clarity and streamline assessment processes, with most changes not affecting existing import requirements.

Read more HERE


Export Industry Notices

Export developments this week include the commencement of the Grain Services Accredited Management System (GSAMS), ongoing NEXDOC implementation for meat and meat products, updated sourcing restrictions for Tasmanian abalone exports, and revised certification requirements for grape and citrus exports to Japan under in-transit cold treatment arrangements. Collectively, these changes support DAFF's continued modernisation of export certification and assurance frameworks.

Read more HERE

AFAS Treatment Provider Suspension

Compliance activity under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) continues, with DAFF announcing the suspension of M/s Pest Control Agency (AEI: IN0401MB). Treatment certificates issued by suspended providers are not accepted for biosecurity purposes, reinforcing the need for importers, brokers and supply chain participants to confirm offshore treatments are conducted by approved providers to avoid clearance delays and compliance risks.
 

Cargo Operations Snapshot



Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

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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:

03 July 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 113-2026 List of treatment providers update: treatment provider suspended - M/s Pest Control Agency (AEI:IN0401MB)
 
Notices:

- Exports:

01 July 2026 : DAFF - IAN : Grain Exports - GSAMS Scheme commencement
01 July 2026 :  DAFF - IAN : 2026-15: Meat and Meat Products to NEXDOC -impacts to service delivery
30 June 2026: DAFF - IAN : 2026-11: Abalone from Tasmania: sourcing/harvesting restrictions
30 June 2026 : DAFF - IAN : 2026-39: Plant Export-Certification requirements for export of grapes and citrus to Japan under in-transit cold treatment (ITCT) 
 
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE. 
- Imports:

06 July 2026 : DAFF - IIAN : 115-2026 For open consultation: Changes to BICON 'List of standard laboratory microorganisms and infectious agents'
06 July 2026: DAFF - IIAN : 114-2026 Methyl bromide fumigation online training package for approved arrangement class 12.1 accredited persons has moved to LearnHub
02 July 2026 : DAFF - IFN : 11-2026 - Commencement of changes to regulatory charges for biosecurity and imported foods
01 July 2026 : DAFF - IIAN : 112-2026 Review of the import pathway for assistance animals (cats and dogs)
30 June 2026 : DAFF - IIAN 111-2026 Notifications of changes to import conditions for Xylella host nursery stock
 
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: 

Notification of changes to import conditions for Xylella host nursery stock

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has announced new biosecurity measure following a pest risk analysis of Xylella bacterial pathogens, one of Australia's highest-priority plant pest threats. The changes strengthen import requirements for Xylella host nursery stock, including enhanced offshore testing, authorised laboratory requirements, updated PCR testing protocols, and additional certification obligations. A phased implementation will begin with laboratory authorisations from July 2026, with revised import conditions taking effect from 20 January 2027 and full mandatory mother plant testing for high- risk countries commencing from 28 April 2028. Importers, brokers, exporters and NPPOs dealing with Xylella should review the upcoming requirements and prepare for transition.

Commencement of changes to regulatory charges for biosecurity and imported foods

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has announced updates to biosecurity and imported food regulatory charges commencing 1 July 2026. Most cost recovery charges will increase by 3.8% through annual indexation, alongside new and revised charges affecting companion animals, avian imports, live garden snails in post-entry quarantine and the removal of certain horse related fees. The department will also introduce a phased approach to recovering diagnostic service costs during 2026-27, with new charges for international vessel diagnostics commencing from 1 July 2026.

 
Case Changes: 
 

Addition of newly assessed species to the 'Plant species that are weeds' BICON case


DAFF has updated the Plant Species That Are Weeds BICON case following weed risk assessments of Asplenium uniseriale and Lippia javanica. The assessments determined that both species, including their listed synonyms, present an unacceptable or potentially significant weed risk to Australia and are therefore not permitted for importation. No other changes have been made to the import conditions within the BICON case. This is effective 2 July 2026.
 

Update to 'Fresh granadilla and passionfruit for human consumption' BICON Case


Effective 2 July 2026, DAFF has updated the Fresh Granadilla and Passionfruit for Human Consumption BICON case by removing redundant wording relating to import permit requirements from the summary section. The change is intended to improve the clarity, accuracy and consistency of the import conditions and align the case with current operational policy. There are no changes to the actual biosecurity import requirements for these commodities.
 

Clarification on government certification arrangements for bivalve molluscs


Effective 1 July 2026, DAFF has updated country-specific pathways in the BICON case for Molluscs and Mollusc Products to provide greater clarity on government certification arrangements for bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products. The update helps importers and brokers better understand which countries are covered by certification arrangements and reinforces existing requirements that, since November 2023, these products must be sourced from countries with certification arrangements in place or currently being negotiated. Importers should refer to the updated BICON case for country-specific requirements.
 

Palm fronds and holders for ceremonial use


The Department has updated the BICON case structure for palm fronds and holders imported for the annual Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Import conditions have been moved from the Fresh cut flowers and foliage case directly into the Fresh fruit and foliage for ceremonial purposes case, replacing the previous redirect. This administrative change is intended to streamline document assessment processes at the border, with no changes to the existing import requirements for the commodity.
 

Update to BICON case Fresh Cucurbits for Human consumption


DAFF has updated the BICON case for Fresh Cucurbits for Human Consumption by adding visual guidance to assist with the interpretation of existing import conditions for fresh melons from Japan. The new attachment includes images showing acceptable fruit characteristics, such as the presence of a stem and a portion of vine, helping to improve consistency and clarity for importers, customs brokers, and border officers. There are no changes to the import conditions themselves.
 

Extension of the fruit fly seasonal area freedom period for Korean melons


Effective 30 June 2026, DAFF has extended the seasonal area freedom period for Zeugodacus depressus (Pumpkin fruit fly) for Korean oriental melons and rockmelons. As a result, melons grown at registered production sites can now be harvested, packed and exported to Australia until 30 June, extending the previous export period by one month. The change provides greater market access and export opportunities for Korean melon producers while maintaining Australia's biosecurity protections.
 

Improvements to CBIS for multiple inspected import pathways


Effective 30 June 2026, DAFF has introduced enhancements to the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) for several inspection-controlled commodities, including prawns, cephalopods, feathers, hides and skins, and animal-based handicraft items. The update introduces a new "Movement withheld – CBIS Pending documentation" direction for eligible consignments not selected for inspection, providing clearer guidance on the biosecurity clearance process. The changes also improve how compliance history is measured, with CBIS inspection rates now based solely on inspection outcomes rather than document assessments. There are no changes to import conditions, documentation requirements, or lodgement processes for importers and customs brokers.
 

New approved export area for Korean Pears


Effective 30 June 2026, DAFF has updated the import conditions for fresh pears from the Republic of Korea to include Yeongam as an approved export area. Yeongam joins the existing approved regions of Hadong, Sangju, Naju, Jinju, Gokseong and Gochang, expanding sourcing options for Korean pear imports while maintaining existing biosecurity requirements for fresh pome fruit.
 

Expansion of the CBIS to squid and other cephalopods caught using trawl or purse seine methods


Effective 30 June 2026, the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) has been expanded to include eligible squid and other cephalopods imported for animal consumption that are caught using trawl or purse seine methods under specified tariff codes. While there are no changes to existing biosecurity import conditions, compliant importers may benefit from reduced biosecurity inspection rates over time through the CBIS program. Eligible importers must continue to meet all import requirements and maintain a strong compliance history to qualify for streamlined biosecurity clearance and reduced regulatory intervention.
 

Updates to the 'Approved sources of tissue cultures free of media' list


The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has updated the list of approved offshore facilities authorised to export tissue cultures free of media (ex-agar) to Australia, effective 30 June 2026. Importers, customs brokers and departmental staff should review the revised approved source list, as some previously approved facilities may have been removed. Imports of ex-agar tissue cultures will continue to be cross-referenced against this list at the border to verify compliance with Australia's biosecurity import conditions. The change affects a wide range of nursery stock and plant species imported under BICON conditions.

Expansion of the CBIS onto multiple import pathways for cosmetics and soaps

Following the recent expansion of the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) to eligible cosmetics and soap import pathways, the department has advised that Commodity profile Questions (CPQ) 836,837 and 838 have now been deactivated after recently being brought into CBIS June 30 2026. The existing CPQs covering cosmetics (tariff chapters 3303,3304,3306 and 3307 ) and soap related products (chapters 3401 and 3402 ) are being reviewed, with new proposed questions possibly to be released and activated by the end of next week. Importers and customs brokers should monitor for further updates and ensure future lodgements reflect the revised requirements once implemented.
 

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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