FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/08 - sponsored by B.I.E.R.S.

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 Regulatory Reforms Now in Effect:
  From 3 March 2025, the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 and Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 are now in force. To support compliance, the DAFF has released key resources:
  • Digikit - for Stakeholders
  • Fact Sheet - Responsibilities for Importers
  • Fact Sheet - Responsibilities for Processors
  • Flowchart - Old vs New
  Additionally, DAFF due diligence toolkits are now available on the DAFF website under the resources pages for importers and processors. Members are encouraged to visit the DAFF website and subscribe to updates. Read more HERE.

• Updates to BICON Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and Infectious Agents:
  Following a scientific review, DAFF has made updates to the BICON Standard List of Laboratory Microorganisms and Infectious Agents to ensure biosecurity risks are appropriately managed. Importers and customs brokers must review the revised list and ensure compliance with updated import permit requirements. The list will now be maintained online, replacing the previous permit appendix format. Importers seeking to continue importing removed taxa must apply for a non-standard permit by 24 March 2025. Further updates are expected, and stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to BICON alerts for future changes. Read more HERE.

• Avian Influenza Market Access Update: 
  MAA 2025-07 provides an update on certification changes for poultry meat, poultry products, and eggs following the 2025 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Victoria. Trade has resumed for products sourced from outside the control areas in Brunei, Macau, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Sri Lanka, while restrictions remain in place for products from affected areas. Exporters should ensure compliance with certification requirements and stay informed on any changes. The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) will be updated accordingly, and exporters are encouraged to subscribe to Micor updates for the latest market-specific information. Read more HERE. 

• Amendments to Export Control Rules:
  The 2025 amendments to the Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021 and Export Control (Miscellaneous) Rules 2021 commenced on 26 February 2025. These changes, aimed at improving the regulation of live animal exports, require exporters, Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs), and registered establishment (RE) occupiers to update their documents and procedures to ensure compliance. DAFF is providing guidance through updated webpages and support materials. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the amendments and take necessary action. Read more HERE.

• New Application Forms for Livestock Exports: 
  DAFF has published three new application forms for livestock export licences, approved arrangements, approved export programs, and registered establishments. These updated forms, reflecting recent amendments to the Export Control Rules 2021 and other minor updates, must now be used for new applications, renewals, and variations. Exporters and registered establishment occupiers are advised to discard previous templates and ensure compliance with the revised requirements. While the application process remains unchanged, improvements have been made for better usability and accessibility. Read more HERE.

• New Process for IFIS Laboratory Nomination Form Submission
  From 17 March 2025, a new process will be implemented for importers, customs brokers, and appointed analysts submitting Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Nomination and Cancellation forms. The updated forms must be submitted via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) using the Lodgement Reference Number (LRN). Submissions via email will be accepted only until 14 April 2025. The changes aim to enhance efficiency in handling laboratory nomination requests. Appointed analysts not using the new system will be contacted for assistance. Read more HERE.

• FTA Program Launches: 
  FTA is excited to announce the launch of two key industry events for 2025—our 2025/26 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program and the 2025 FTA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum. The 2025/26 CPD Border Compliance Program will feature expert speakers from government and industry, delivering critical updates on regulatory and operational developments. Sessions will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, with early bird rates available for members. Additionally, the Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forums will provide essential insights for industry stakeholders, including updates from senior DAFF officials on biosecurity compliance and enforcement. These forums are a must-attend for those managing regulated cargo facilities. - REGISTER NOW

Cargo Operations Snapshot

• Meeting 99 2024 – Communique
• Meeting 99 2024 – FNL Minutes 

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.

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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