1995
The Philippines seeks access for Cavendish bananas
1999
The Philippines prioritises request
2000
The Import Risk Analysis (IRA) formally commences
2003
WTO dispute lodged (remains dormant)
2008
The IRA report is completed
The full report is available on DAFF’s ‘Bananas from the Philippines‘ page.
2009
Federal government makes a policy determination
2018
The Philippines request Australia consider alternative measures
September 2025
16 September – Public notification of assessment
24 September – ABGC hosts industry imports meeting
October 2025
DAFF in-person meetings – NSW & QLD
November 2025
DAFF in-person meeting – WA
Notes from the October and November DAFF meetings are available on DAFF’s ‘Bananas from the Philippines‘ page.
January 2026
Banana Imports Fighting Fund open for contributions.
23 – 27 March 2026
DAFF conducts technical visit to the Philippines.
16 June 2026
- Issues paper released – open to comment for 30 days
- Notice of intention to conduct a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis
16 July 2026
Issues paper comment period closes
Early 2027
Draft report released*
TIMING TBC
Consider all comments received and prepare a provisional report
TIMING TBC
Publish the provisional report. After the provisional report is published, stakeholders have the option to request the Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) to review the process for conducting the BIRA
TIMING TBC
Publish a final report.
Publication of the final report signals the conclusion of the BIRA process.
*subject to change