SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

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

manage the clearance of your own food imports
reduce your importing timeframes and costs.

If this is something that may interest you or your clients reach out and give us a call 0409 447 987

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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:

DAFF Information Sessions on Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology v3.0:
DAFF has announced virtual information sessions on the updated Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology v3.0, set to take effect on 1 May 2025. These sessions, scheduled for 25 and 27 March 2025, will assist international treatment providers and industry stakeholders in understanding key changes and compliance requirements. Separate sessions for Australian stakeholders will be announced soon. FTA/APSA encourages members to share this update with overseas agents and service providers to ensure awareness and compliance. Read more HERE.

Packing Declarations - Clarification on DAFF Requirements:
FTA/APSA has observed a significant increase in enquiries from members regarding packing declarations. In response, DAFF has provided the following commentary:
As per IIAN 297-2024, DAFF have published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that address common queries about meeting the Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy. The FAQs include clarification regarding cleanliness declaration requirements and LCL packing declarations.
DAFF has emphasised that there are no changes to the Minimum documentary & information requirements and Non-commodity information requirements policies. It is expected that any party attesting to import requirements set by the department, including packing declarations, understands the content of their statement and that it is reflective of and relevant to the goods. Accredited persons operating under approved arrangement class 19 should take this into account as part of their assessment in determining whether to accept a document.
FMD Outbreak in Hungary & Slovakia (updated):
DAFF has issued an update to IIAN 67/2025 (updated 13 March) with extra guidelines in response to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary and Slovakia affecting imports of dairy, beef, reproductive materials, veterinary products, pet food, and lab goods. Read more HERE.

Illegal Logging Regulatory Reforms - Update to Community Protection Question (CPQ):
FTA/APSA are pleased to confirm that, through our direct engagement with DAFF, official guidance has now been published, providing certainty and protection for industry when responding to the Community Protection Question (CPQ) regarding illegal logging on a Full Import Declaration (FID).
This update offers clear, formal direction on how to correctly answer the CPQ, ensuring consistency, eliminating ambiguity, and safeguarding compliance for industry stakeholders. For more detail, read more HERE.

Xylella Emergency Measures: Transition to Genus-Level Regulation
DAFF is updating Australia's Xylella emergency measures, shifting from family-level to genus-level regulation for host nursery stock imports. This phased transition affects importers of live plants, customs brokers, and departmental staff, with import permit updates occurring between 31 January and 23 May 2025. The department will contact affected permit holders, and no fees will be charged for permit variations. Read more HERE.

FTA 2025 Events Program:
FTA is looking forward to hosting two key industry events in 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

It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

17 March Report LOGIN REQUIRED

Biosecurity Cargo Status Tracker (BCST) Reporting

DAFF have released a short video outlining the benefits of using BCST reports and how they can assist in managing biosecurity compliance efficiently.
As outlined in Industry Advice Notice 05-2025, BCST reporting is now available to all accredited persons who operate under Approved Arrangement Class 19 via the Biosecurity Portal.

2025-2026 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program Launch

FTA have launched our draft programs for the 2025-2026 CPD Border Compliance Program sessions with content delivered by an expert panel of presenters from across government and commerce. Please view the program and purchase your tickets via the links below. We recommend that you book now to receive the member early bird rate.

SYDNEY (Novotel Hotel - Brighton Beach, Brighton Le Sands)
Friday 4 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE
Saturday 5 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

MELBOURNE (Hyatt Place Essendon Fields)
9 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE
10 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

PERTH (Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront)
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

BRISBANE (Brisbane Airport Conference Centre)
Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

2025 FTA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum Program Launch

FTA is pleased to launch the program for our upcoming Regulated Cargo Facility / Depot Forums in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane—designed to keep industry informed on evolving border and biosecurity compliance obligations while supporting best practice implementation.
A key highlight for Approved Arrangement members will be insights from senior DAFF officials, who will outline current biosecurity challenges, compliance expectations, and operational efficiencies to assist industry in meeting regulatory requirements. This is a must-attend event for those seeking to enhance their understanding of DAFF's enforcement approach and practical steps to maintain compliance within their facilities.

SYDNEY (St George Motor Boat Club, 2 Wellington Street, Sans Souci)
Friday 9 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

MELBOURNE (Mantra Hotel - Tullamarine, 2 Trade Park Drive)
Thursday 8 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

PERTH (Tompkins Park Functions - Corner Dunkley Ave & Canning Hwy, Alfred Cove)
Friday 23 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

BRISBANE (The Colmslie Cnr Wynnum & Junction Roads, Morningside)
Tuesday 3 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

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:

18.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 80/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended Arda Lashing Survey International Inspection, Port Services, Shipping Agency CO, LTD (AEI: TR4018SB)
17.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 77/2025 List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended - Descroes BV (AEI: BE4001SB)
13.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 74/2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider suspended – Eco Worldwide Solutions GmbH (AEI: DE4023SB)

Notices:

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

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.

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 2025/10 - sponsored by Andrew Christie Consulting