The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) proposes new biosecurity and cost-recovery charges for imported food for the period 2026-27.
Some of the proposals are the indexing of most existing fees, new diagnostics charges for international vessels starting 1 July 2026, and new cargo testing rates starting 1 November 2026.
Plant products importers will be hit hardest if the new proposals are enacted. Live plant quarantine diagnostic fees will increase by 35% to fund surveillance and laboratory upgrades.
DAFF has classified Moringa oleifera as not permitted for import as a food or ingredient after the rejection of its use as a novel food application. Moringa imports will be re-exported or destroyed at the importer's expense.
Freight forwards will need to review quotations accordingly to factor in the new fees and surcharges coming into effect from the third quarter of 2026.
