Welcome to 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.
This Week's Summary
Here are the key developments for this week: - Illegal Logging E-Update 50: From 3 March 2025, new Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules will enhance confidence in Australia's timber supply. The first six months will focus on education during audits, with support available to help importers and processors meet updated due diligence requirements. Resources, including factsheets and digital kits, are available to guide compliance. For details, visit the department's website or contact the compliance branch.
- Changes to Import Conditions for New and Aged/Used Oversize Tyres: Effective 1 February 2025, new biosecurity import rules will require mandatory placement of S-methoprene briquettes in all oversize tyres (new and used) to manage mosquito risks, and the definition of "new" tyres has been updated to focus on their manufacturing date relative to the export vessel's loading. Importers, manufacturers, customs brokers, agents, and biosecurity participants involved in importing oversize tyres must comply with these changes, ensuring proper documentation and inspection procedures. Refer to IIAN 19/2025.
- December 2024 Failing Food Report Released: DAFF have released the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) Failing Food Report, which serves as a critical tool for safeguarding public health by ensuring that imported foods meet the stringent safety and compliance standards outlined in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The December report is available here.
- Transition to Paperless Trade for Fish Exports to Korea: From 3 February 2025, all certification for fish and fish products exported from Australia to the Republic of Korea will transition to a fully paperless process through the NEXDOC system, with printable certificates no longer available. Exporters must use the EXKRF1 certificate template, and the full electronic health certificate will be directly accessible to Korean border authorities. Refer to MAA 2025-01.
- Compliance and Enforcement Overview: DAFF have confirmed they will provide insights into compliance measures along with delving into Enforceable Undertakings - their purpose and your responsibilities - as a part of their presentation at the upcoming Sec 77G & Approved Arrangements forums in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane - REGISTER NOW
Cargo Operations Snapshot
It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.
28 January Report LOGIN REQUIRED
New Methyl Bromide (MB) Methodologies
A reminder that the new MB methodologies are set to commence on 1 May 2025. The Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) has been in discussion with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) over the past 18 months to ensure industry had a say in the final document. BTPRG members provided valuable feedback on the initial proposal and over a number of teams meetings with DAFF have been able to have a number of amendments made to the final document. It is recommended that Approved Arrangement facilities and Treatment Providers become conversant with the new document well before 1 May. READ MORE
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 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:
23.01.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 18/2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Pest Aside Exterminating Inc. (AEI: US4022SB)
23.01.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 17/2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – BBT Konteyner Ilaclama Ve Liman Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti. (AEI: TR4042SB)
Notices
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