16 June 2026
We have decided to commence a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) for fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
We have published a notice of intention (NOI) signalling the commencement of the BIRA process.
We have also released an issues paper for a 30-calendar day feedback period. These documents are available at Bananas from the Philippines.
We invite you to provide comments on the issues paper by 5pm AEST Thursday 16 July 2026.
Please submit comments to plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.
On 16 September 2025, we notified stakeholders that we would be conducting an assessment of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines (Biosecurity Advice 2025-P07).
We have decided to commence a BIRA for fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
In accordance with section 24 of the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 (Regulation), a delegate of the Director of Biosecurity (the Secretary of the department) has published a NOI on the department’s website stating that the delegate is proposing to conduct a BIRA in relation to fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines and published an issues paper prepared in relation to the BIRA.
The NOI states the opportunities for consultation with stakeholders that will be given in conducting the BIRA.
The issues paper outlines the assessment process. It also provides background information on the Philippines’ requests, what is being considered during the assessment and how and when we are engaging with stakeholders.
Additionally, we have published a report summarising the technical visit to the Philippines we conducted in late March 2026. The report outlines the scope and purposes of the visit, areas visited, key observations and next steps.
We are holding virtual information sessions to discuss the BIRA process, issues paper and technical visit report with interested stakeholders. To register, please visit Bananas from the Philippines.
We invite stakeholders to provide comments on any aspects of the issues paper. We also invite stakeholders to contribute scientific information relevant to this assessment. We will consider all relevant comments received when preparing the draft report.
Stakeholders can submit comments and relevant information directly to plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au
We expect to release a draft report for public consultation in early 2027, noting this timing is subject to change.
More information is available at Bananas from the Philippines.
To receive future Biosecurity Advices, please subscribe to ‘Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant’ via our online subscription service. If you would like to receive more regular updates on this assessment via our banana newsletter, please contact plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.
Dr Allison Jones
A/g First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1)
Email: imports@aff.gov.au