Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has recently received member feedback regarding significant delays and costs associated with Country Action List Hold (also known as GAS Hold).

The timing is particularly relevant given the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's (DAFF) latest Industry Advice Notice (170-2026), released today, which introduces updated requirements for requesting the transhipment of Country Action List (CAL) cargo without inspection, including a new Cargo Exemption List template that must accompany exemption requests. While the notice relates specifically to transhipment arrangements, it serves as a timely reminder of the operational impacts associated with CAL cargo management and intervention processes.

While these issues do not appear to arise frequently, when they do occur the consequences can be considerable. Members have reported extended delays in cargo release, uncertainty around processing timeframes, and the accumulation of storage, detention and other supply chain costs while awaiting assessment outcomes.

FTA will be meeting with DAFF in coming weeks to better understand the current operating environment and identify opportunities to improve member outcomes.

FTA will also seek an update on DAFF's Integrated Cargo and Container Platform (ICCP), the department's new information technology platform intended to progressively replace the Agriculture Import Management System (AIMS).

In particular, FTA is keen to understand whether ICCP will provide importers and customs brokers with greater visibility of a consignment's status while subject to CAL hold assessment processes. FTA will also explore whether there may be opportunities for importers / customs brokers to request overtime inspections, to minimise terminal storage, empty container detention and other avoidable supply chain costs.

Discussions with DAFF will also focus on:

• the operation of CAL Hold and GAS Hold processes;
• factors that may contribute to extended assessment timeframes;
• opportunities to improve transparency and communication with industry; and
• practical measures that may assist in reducing unnecessary delays and associated costs.

To support those discussions, FTA is seeking examples from members who have encountered CAL Hold delays in recent weeks.

Members experiencing issues are encouraged to provide details including:

• port (and stevedore) of arrival;
• cargo origin;
• duration of the delay:
• commercial impacts incurred.

This information will assist FTA in identifying common themes and ensuring that member concerns are appropriately raised with DAFF.

Members are encouraged to send feedback and examples directly to smilici@ftalliance.com.au.

Members may also wish to discuss the Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS) with importer clients and overseas suppliers where cargo is sourced from, or shipped through, Country Action List (CAL) countries. SCHS is a voluntary arrangement administered by DAFF that seeks to manage biosecurity risks offshore and may assist in reducing intervention rates to as low as 5% on arrival.

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

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