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Interested in investigating the possibility of entering into a Food Import Compliance Agreement (FICA) with the Department. We have the people in place to assist you in this process. By entering into a FICA with the department will allow you to

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Dear Tom

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:

BMSB Update: In-Transit Policy Applies After Offshore Treatment Provider Suspensions:
DAFF will enact the 'in transit policy' for consignments where the treatment provider status has changed. Affected parties should be aware of the in-transit policy and how this may apply to them. Under this policy, all BMSB treatment certification issued by a treatment provider classified as under review or suspended will be considered unacceptable from the date the change is published on the department's website, regardless of the date of treatment or date of issue on the certificate. This includes certification issued both before and after the change in their status. Read more HERE.

Senate Withdrawal of the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL) Bill:
After much public debate the Senate last week withdrew the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL) Bill, eliminating an anticipated $47.5m contribution from producers. The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment and investment in 'sustainable, broad-based, biosecurity funding', while also highlighting the BPL was only one part of the funding solution and there is no 'immediate' funding change for the Commonwealth's biosecurity activities. FTA/APSA recently discussed these developments with ABC Radio National. Read more and listen HERE.

Postcode Classifications:
DAFF is currently reviewing the Postcode Classification Assessment Framework to ensure its continued effectiveness and efficiency in managing biosecurity risks. Did you know that you can request a postcode review? A request can be submitted directly to the Department via email to postcode.classifications@aff.gov.au.
We look forward to DAFF engaging in further discussions on Sea Cargo Policy at our upcoming 2025-2026 FTA CPD Border Compliance events.
To be a part of it, get in quick - REGISTER NOW

Outbreak of H7 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Victoria:
DAFF has issued updated advice on certification changes related to avian influenza market access for eggs and egg products, following recent HPAI detections in Victoria. Exporters should review the new requirements for key markets like Singapore and Hong Kong and ensure their certification processes comply with the updated guidelines. Read more HERE.

FTA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forums:
Biosecurity issues and insights relating to Approved Arrangements will once again will be a key focus in this years upcoming Sec 77G & Approved Arrangements forums in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. To be a part of it, get in quick - 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.

17 February Report LOGIN REQUIRED

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:

14.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 40/2025 Recent suspensions of BMSB Offshore Treatment Provider – need to consider in-transit policy for goods subject to BMSB Seasonal Measures
14.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 39/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Real Port Lojistik limited sirketi (AEI: TR4032SB), Advancer IFM (AEI: SG4012SB), Chemifume (AEI: SG4017SB)
13.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 37/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Inavab Fumigation & Pest Ctrl Mgt Pte Ltd (AEI: SG4003SB)

Notices:

To receive real-time automated notices direct from DAFF, please register HERE.

- Exports:

17.02.2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-04: Egg and egg products: All Markets: Avian influenza market access issues update #18: High pathogenicity avian influenza – certification updates for Singapore and Hong Kong
17.02.2025 : ATIC - Agribusiness and Food News
17.02.2025 : DAFF - Plant Exports - Regional Assurance Manager Network Newsletter
14.02.2025 : 2024-2025 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)
14.02.2025 : DAFF - How to access Learnhub - Help Card
14.02.2025 : FTA / APSA INTERVIEW ON ABC NATIONAL - BIOSECURITY PROTECTION LEVY & TERMINAL ACCESS CHARGES
12.02.2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-03 Egg and egg products AMENDED All Markets Notification of disease detection Update 17 Highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N8 detected on poultry egg farm in Victoria February 2025

- Imports:

17.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 42/2025: Scheduled Outage: Thursday 20 February to Friday 21 February 2025 – Multiple Systems
17.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 41/2025: Change to the release conditions for live marine ornamental fish sharing a recirculating system
17.02.2025 : DAFF - Animal Biosecurity Advice Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Canada - final report 2025-A01
17.02.2025 : ATIC - Agribusiness and Food News
14.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 40/2025 Recent suspensions of BMSB Offshore Treatment Provider – need to consider in-transit policy for goods subject to BMSB Seasonal Measures
14.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 39/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Real Port Lojistik limited sirketi (AEI: TR4032SB), Advancer IFM (AEI: SG4012SB), Chemifume (AEI: SG4017SB)
14.02.2025 : 2024-2025 Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC)
14.02.2025 : DAFF - How to access Learnhub - Help Card
14.02.2025 : DAFF - Animal Biosecurity Advice - Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Canada - final report 2025-A01
14.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 38/2025 *Update* Scheduled Outage: Saturday 15 February to Sunday 16 February 2025 – Multiple Systems
14.02.2025 : FTA / APSA INTERVIEW ON ABC NATIONAL - BIOSECURITY PROTECTION LEVY & TERMINAL ACCESS CHARGES
13.02.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 37/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Inavab Fumigation & Pest Ctrl Mgt Pte Ltd (AEI: SG4003SB)

Reminder - Stay Updated on Import Conditions via BICON:
Members are encouraged to reference BICON, Australia's biosecurity import conditions database, for any specific commodity concerns or changes related to Import Industry Advice Notices.
BICON provides up-to-date Australian biosecurity import conditions to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions.

Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG)

On 1 July 2020, Freight & Trade Alliance established the Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) designed to provide a One Voice platform for treatment providers to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to deliver nationally consistent advocacy position(s) to government to lead reform and implement best practice. You can read our terms of reference HERE.
If you would like more information, please contact John Park. The value of the group has been acknowledged by DAFF as can be seen HERE.

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.
?? Take the Survey Here LOGIN REQUIRED

As always, we encourage members to share their feedback and insights to help us identify issues and advocate for improvements on your behalf.

FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/06 - sponsored by Andrew Christie Consulting