An aquaculture feed import review has been finalised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The final report, released on 6 October 2026, looks at imported feed made with avian material and recommends an additional heat treatment step to reduce the biosecurity risk of the product.
What the aquaculture feed import review covers
The review examined the biosecurity risks of imported aquaculture feed made with avian material. It considered scientific evidence, industry practices and practical implementation issues.
The report is an addendum to DAFF’s final report on its assessment of a prescribed heat treatment as a risk management measure for fish and fish products for use as pet food and stockfeed.
Why DAFF started the aquaculture feed import review
DAFF began the review after a request from the aquaculture feed industry. The draft report was released for public consultation on 22 April 2026, and DAFF invited feedback from aquaculture feed producers, importers, other industry members and the public. Consultation ran for about two months from that date, and DAFF said it would use the submissions to inform the final report.
Three types of feed are in scope
The aquaculture feed import review covers three groups of imported feed: granulated hatchery feed, extruded pelletised hatchery and grow-out feed, and soft tuna feed. DAFF’s recommendation is an additional heat treatment step to manage the biosecurity risk of the avian material, meaning bird-derived ingredients.
Where the review sits in the process
An import risk analysis follows set steps. DAFF reviews the evidence on pests and diseases, assesses the risks, develops risk management measures where needed, consults on a draft, and then publishes a final report. Import conditions are developed and published in BICON after that. The aquaculture feed import review has now reached the final report stage.
One submission on the draft report
DAFF received a single submission on the draft report (Animal Biosecurity Advice 2026-A02). It supported the report and the proposed risk management measures. The department says there were no significant changes between the draft and final reports.
What happens next for importers
Following the release of the final report, import conditions will be developed and published on the Biosecurity Import Conditions website, BICON. The notice does not give a date for that. Anyone who wants updates can register in BICON to receive an alert when import conditions change.
Questions about the review can go to the department’s Animal Biosecurity team through DAFF’s general enquiries line on 1800 900 090. Stakeholders can also register with DAFF to receive animal biosecurity notices.
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General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Animal Biosecurity Advice 2026-A05, 6 October 2026. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
