FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/26 - sponsored by Mondiale VGL

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:

• Have Your Say: New Policy for Scheduling Cargo Inspections
  DAFF has released a draft policy aiming to modernise and streamline scheduling arrangements for biosecurity and imported food inspections, with consultation open from 1 July to 8 August 2025.
  The draft policy introduces three appointment types — standard, group, and recurring — and proposes replacing manned depots and other permanent booking arrangements with a more flexible recurring appointment system. 
  DAFF is seeking industry feedback on current scheduling experiences, use of the Biosecurity Portal, and views on the proposed options. To help shape the final policy, stakeholders are strongly encouraged to contribute.
  Consultation sessions will be held in:
           > Melbourne: Monday, 14 July 2025, 10:00–11:30 (Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds)
           > Sydney: Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 10:00–11:30 (Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach)
           > Brisbane: Thursday, 17 July 2025, 10:00–11:30 (Novotel Brisbane Airport)
           > Online (Teams Live): Monday, 21 July 2025, 14:00–15:00 AEST and Tuesday, 23 July 2025, 15:00–16:00 AEST
  Registration for the sessions can be made HERE. Read more HERE.

• Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak in France
  DAFF has issued Import Industry Advice Notice 212-2025 following an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in France, effective 2 July 2025. France has now joined Italy on the list of LSD-affected countries, resulting in immediate import restrictions on specified bovine-derived products, certain dairy goods, laboratory materials containing bovine fluids and tissues, bovine reproductive material, and bovine-derived petfood and stockfeed.
  Members are strongly advised to review supply chain arrangements to ensure compliance with updated conditions and avoid clearance delays, re-export, or destruction orders. Read more HERE.

• Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) Dairy Update: New Dairy Import Conditions
  DAFF has issued Import Industry Advice Notice 214-2025 to update dairy import conditions following recent Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreaks in Italy and France. Effective 3 July 2025, Italy and France have been removed from the LSD-free country list.
  Import conditions for dairy products (excluding cheese, chocolate, and lactose) have now been revised: dairy goods will no longer need to be sourced from, manufactured in, and exported from LSD-free countries. This decision aligns with the department's risk review findings that pasteurisation or approved heat treatment effectively manages LSD risk.
  No other import conditions have changed, and cheese imports remain unaffected. Members are advised to review supply chain arrangements to ensure compliance and avoid delays. Read more HERE.

• New Health Certificates for Canine Semen Imports from Netherlands and Spain to Australia
  DAFF has issued Import Industry Advice Notice 217-2025 announcing the release of new, country-specific veterinary health certificate templates for frozen canine semen exported from the Netherlands and Spain to Australia.
  Following successful negotiations, these certificates will ensure clear, standardised certification for imports from these countries. The new templates will be published on the department's website and available via the 'frozen dog semen' BICON case from 29 July 2025.
  All other approved countries can continue using the existing certificate templates. Read more HERE.

• China Opens Door for Livestock Exports from Expanded Bluetongue-Free Zone
  DAFF has issued Market Access Notice 2025/01 confirming that, from 6 May 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) now recognises Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales (the former temporary bluetongue zone) as part of Australia's Bluetongue Virus Transmission-Free Zone.
  This means livestock (breeder, feeder, and slaughter) can now be sourced from this region for export to China. Residency periods on properties of origin in this zone can be counted from 6 May 2025, enabling eligibility for export movements from 6 November 2025 onwards.
  This update follows a successful audit by GACC earlier this year and resolves long-standing restrictions that had been in place since 2017. Read more HERE.

• Future Drought Fund Updates - New grant rounds arriving soon
  DAFF has announced that two new Future Drought Fund grant rounds will open in mid to late 2025 to help strengthen drought resilience across Australian agriculture and communities.
  The Innovation Challenges Pilot will provide up to $2 million per project, supporting innovative solutions in natural capital, water management, and community resilience. Projects must be consortium-led and completed by 30 June 2028.
  The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grants Program will support First Nations-led, community-driven projects that build resilience to drought and climate change, with up to $12 million in funding available over three years (2025–2028).
  Further guidelines and application details will be released when the grant rounds officially open. Read more HERE.

• Australia Takes the Lead as Chair of International Grains Council (IGC)
  Australia has officially assumed the Chair of the International Grains Council (IGC) for the 2025–26 financial year, strengthening its leadership role in global grain trade discussions. Represented by DAFF's Agriculture Counsellor in London, Dr Amy Little, Australia will focus on promoting rules-based trade, reducing barriers, and supporting global food security and sustainable agriculture.
  Deputy Secretary Matt Lowe described this as both a privilege and an opportunity to champion open, transparent trade that underpins food security worldwide.
  Pat O'Shannassy, President of the International Grain Trade Coalition and CEO of Grain Trade Australia — who are also proud APSA members — welcomed Australia's leadership, highlighting the shared commitment to open and predictable trade. Read more HERE.

• ABARES Winter Edition: New Data, Forecasts & Insights Released
  DAFF has released the latest ABARES Essentials — Issue 15, Winter Edition 2025, providing a comprehensive look at Australian agriculture's performance, forecasts, and sector insights.
  Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville highlighted the importance of the annual farm survey, which relies on nearly 1,900 face-to-face farmer interviews nationwide to shape policy and track productivity trends.
  Key highlights from the June quarter forecast include a projected agricultural production value of $90.7 billion for 2025–26 — the third highest on record — despite global economic uncertainty and challenging seasonal conditions. Livestock value is expected to ease, while horticulture is forecast to reach a record $19 billion.
  Other features include analysis of resilient export price outlooks, sustainable native forest management, and updates from national rangeland committees. The edition also previews the 2026 ABARES Outlook Conference and celebrates French–Australian scientific collaboration in agri-food systems.
  Members are encouraged to explore the new data and insights to support planning and policy discussions. Read more HERE.

• Biosecurity Business Network - Promoting a Stronger Two-Way Collaboration
  FTA recently participated in DAFF's Biosecurity Business Network Co-Design Workshop, the aim of which is to enhance the two-way flow of information between the business community and government to strengthen the biosecurity system as a whole. A key suggestion raised by industry was the mention of a trusted trader-like system for Quarantine, with a designated account manager for escalation. 
  The overarching goal of the Biosecurity Business Network is to promote safeguarding Australia's biosecurity through stronger partnerships and shared responsibility between government and the business community. FTA will continue to engage closely and provide members with further updates as important initiatives develop.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA/APSA Launch New Certificate of Origin Service

FTA and APSA members also receive an exclusive 10% discount - to access the service, register via the dedicated landing page available HERE.

Media Release available HERE

For further information, please contact us at support@FTAlliance.com.au

• Meeting 100 2025 – Communique 
• Meeting 100 2025 – 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 - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA

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