Good Morning Tom
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Biosecurity Report, your one-stop update on the latest operational issues and notices issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This report is designed to keep you informed and prepared to manage biosecurity compliance effectively in an ever-changing landscape.
Current Insights
Throughout December, FTA understands that document assessment processing faced challenges, particularly with extended processing times affecting critical areas such as imported food clearances. Feedback from members indicates significant improvements since late December, with processing times significantly improved, reflected in the over 90% reduction in lodgements awaiting assessment
This Week's Summary
Here are the key developments for this week: - 14.4 Rural Tailgate Delays: Members have reported significant delays in the release of Rural Tailgate inspections conducted under 14.4 provisions. These delays have left shipments in a CONDCLEAR status for extended periods, raising concerns not only about operational efficiency but also potential non-compliance risks.
- Cost Recovery and AEP: A timely reminder to carefully review your Final Record of Service. Issues have been reported where fees for AEP verification were incorrectly charged, despite not being applicable, as outlined in Import Industry Advice Notice (IIAN) 19-2023.
- Goods Subject to Import Permits: DAFF has reiterated its strict position against applying for retrospective import permits after goods have already entered the country.
- Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) Cost Recovery Charge: DAFF has confirmed that Notices of Liability for the first quarter (October–December 2024) will be issued in January 2025. Invoices will follow after a 10-business-day period.
Survey - False / Fraudulent documents in Biosecurity
Members are reminded to participate in the FTA Survey on False/Fraudulent Documents in Biosecurity, shared previously via member notice.
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Cargo Operations Snapshot 
DAFF have noted that data for the imported food label visual inspections is unavailable this week due to technical issues and should be resolved for next week's snapshot.
It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.
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Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC)
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) brings together DAFF and industry representatives to address biosecurity issues impacting trade and logistics with the purpose to ensure effective biosecurity regulation without unnecessary trade barriers. FTA proudly represents the freight and trade sector on this vital committee.
Following are the latest DCCC Meeting minutes, communiques and papers:
Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS):
AFAS is a bilateral arrangement between DAFF and participating overseas government agencies. AFAS manages the high biosecurity risk posed by ineffective treatments performed offshore.
Treatment providers registered and listed as approved is available on the List of treatment providers.
- Recent Suspensions:
- No suspensions have been announced by DAFF this past week.
Notices
14.01.2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-01: NEXDOC – planned outage - Eggs ... read more
14.01.2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-01: NEXDOC – planned outage - Dairy ... read more
14.01.2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-01: NEXDOC – planned outage - Fish ... read more
13.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 08/2025 Urgent Scheduled Outage: Monday 13 January to Tuesday 14 January 2025 – DAFF messaging, EVE, SeaPest ... read more
13.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 07/2025 Unplanned Outage: Monday 13 January 2025 – myID ... read more
11.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 06/2025 Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Germany ... read more
09.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 05/2025 Self-service cargo status reports now available on the Biosecurity Portal ... read more
09.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 04/2025 Voluntary fumigation of fresh cut flowers and foliage in 2025 ... read more
08.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 03/2025 Services Restored: Wednesday 08 January 2025 – COLS / CWMS ... read more
08.01.2025 : DAFF - Import Industry Advice Notice 02/2025 Unplanned Service Disruption: Wednesday 08 January 2025 – COLS / CWMS ... read more
08.01.2025 : DAFF - Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) cost recovery charge Key Updates on Billing Process and Timelines ... read more
To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.
As always, we encourage members to share their feedback and insights to help us identify issues and advocate for improvements on your behalf.
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA
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