FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/28 - sponsored by Price & Speed Containers

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:

• Agricultural Productivity Roundtable
  FTA has been invited by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to provide formal input into the development of national productivity reform priorities ahead of two major upcoming events:
        > Agricultural Productivity Roundtable – 12 August 2025, hosted by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
        > Economic Reform Roundtable – 19–21 August 2025, convened by the Prime Minister and Treasurer
  These roundtables form part of the Australian Government's stated priority to lift productivity growth, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure long-term budget sustainability.
  In preparing our submission, FTA has been asked to contribute practical and nationally beneficial reform ideas, particularly those that reflect the interests of the international trade and logistics sectors.
  Key themes under discussion include:
       * Streamlining regulation and removing duplication
       * Digital transformation of regulatory processes (e-certification, traceability, AI)
       * Improving consistency and speed of government decision-making
       * Enhancing investment and R&D commercialisation
       * Addressing labour shortages and climate shocks in supply chains
       * Strengthening market access and fairer competition
  FTA will continue to represent our members' interests and ensure trade and logistics issues remain visible in these national-level conversations.
  To contribute please email feedback to SMilici@FTAlliance.com.au by COB Friday 25 July 2025. Read more HERE.

• Packing Declarations – Issuing Entity and Validity
  Section 4.5.5 of the Minimum Documentary and Import Declaration Requirements Policy requires that Packing Declarations be issued by the entity that physically packed the goods into the container. This must be a party with direct oversight of the packing process—typically the supplier, exporter, or factory-based packer.
  Where a Packing Declaration is issued by an entity located in Country B, but the goods were packed in Country A, the Department expects a clear explanation of how the declarant either conducted or directly observed the packing. General statements about packaging procedures or supply chain controls are not sufficient.
  In the absence of a valid declaration, the consignment may be directed for onshore management under the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance BICON case and Approved Arrangement Class 19.1.
  Members are reminded to ensure the issuing party has appropriate visibility over the packing to avoid delays or non-compliance. 

• DAFF expands self-service tools: Class 19.2 reporting now live
  DAFF have released a new self-service report via the Biosecurity Portal, providing accredited persons with greater visibility of their Approved Arrangement Class 19.2 usage and uptake.
  This latest update, detailed in IIAN 228-2025, complements previous reporting on cargo status (November 2024) and record of service (May 2025). It supports enhanced visibility for accredited persons operating under Class 19, improving industry access to consignment-level data and AEP verification outcomes.
  The report outlines details of entries lodged under AA Class 19.2, entries that were eligible for processing under Class 19.2 but assessed by DAFF, and verification data and outcomes under the AEP scheme.
  The benefits to industry include a reduced need for direct enquiries to the department, improved transparency around referred consignments, and enhanced capacity to monitor emerging biosecurity risks.
  This release forms part of DAFF's Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program — a broader investment in technology and systems to deliver faster, simpler and more integrated cargo clearance.
  How to access:
  The report is available via the 'Industry Reporting' tile on the Biosecurity Portal for eligible myID users. Help cards and training materials are available on LearnHub.

  Further information:

  • Biosecurity Portal – Industry Reporting

  • STEPS Program

  • Contact: STEPS@aff.gov.au

• Oversized tyre inspection and treatment guide released
  A new industry guide is now available detailing approved methods for presenting and treating oversized tyres for biosecurity inspection.
  This resource is relevant to industry participants managing oversize tyre inspections at the first point of entry and Class 1.1 approved arrangement premises. It includes safety protocols for presentation to biosecurity officers and outlines approved treatment options.
  The guide is available on the department's Importing Tyres webpage. Read more HERE.

• Consultation open on revised BC2 conditions
  Public consultation is now underway on proposed revisions to the conditions and guidance materials for Biosecurity Containment Level 2 (BC2) approved arrangements.
  The updated content reflects prior stakeholder feedback and aims to provide greater flexibility for Biosecurity Industry Participants, as well as clearer guidance on areas such as support zones, site works notifications, third-party assessments, and site commissioning.
  Stakeholders are invited to review the draft revised BC2 Conditions and Informative Text via the department's Have Your Say platform.
  The consultation is open from Friday, 18 July 2025 and will close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday, 15 August 2025. Read more HERE.

• Draft import conditions released for guava fruit from Taiwan
  Public consultation is now open on a draft report proposing that commercially produced fresh guava fruit from all commercial production areas of Taiwan may be permitted for import into Australia, subject to strict biosecurity requirements.
  Seven pests of concern have been identified, including several fruit fly and mealybug species. The proposed risk management measures include pest-free areas, approved fruit treatments, and pre-export inspections.
  Submissions are open until 13 September 2025 via the Have Your Say page. The draft report and details on how to provide feedback are available on the department's website. Read more HERE.

• Consultation open on biosecurity measures for Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  Feedback is now open on proposed changes to biosecurity measures for importing live animals and animal products into Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
  Draft measures include revised requirements for beef, lamb, goat meat, and prawns, while existing controls for chicken, eggs, and bird-related products may remain due to local wildlife concerns.
  The proposed changes are available in BICON (use 'Advanced Search' and select either island). They are for consultation only and cannot currently be used to support imports.
  Submissions close 5:00pm AEST, Tuesday 26 August 2025 via the Have Your Say platform. Read more HERE.

• UAE delays labelling changes for dairy products
  Abu Dhabi's Quality and Conformity Council has delayed the rollout of its new Nutrition Mark labelling requirements for dairy cheese and beverages until Q4 2025.
  The labelling regulation was originally scheduled to take effect from 1 June 2025 and applies to a range of food and beverage products, including dairy items, sold in Abu Dhabi.
  Exporters are advised to maintain close communication with their importers to ensure compliance with evolving UAE requirements. A further Market Access Advice will be issued once new implementation timelines are confirmed.
  Micor will be updated to reflect this advice. Read more HERE.

• NASAA Certified Organic withdraws as certifying body
  Effective 26 June 2025, NASAA Certified Organic has formally withdrawn from all certification activities under the Australian National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.
  As a result, NASAA Certified Organic will no longer assess or certify new or existing operators, nor issue export certificates for organic or bio-dynamic goods.
  The department has issued a policy to assist affected operators in transitioning to an alternate approved certifying body. Operators are advised to contact another certifying body as soon as possible to maintain compliance.
  For assistance, contact: OrganicExports@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• Austrade and AUSVEG celebrate 10 years of export success
  Austrade and AUSVEG have marked 10 years of partnership supporting Australia's vegetable exporters, with the 2025 Reverse Trade Mission bringing 40 delegates from 12 countries to southern Queensland.
  Delegates visited growers, processors, retailers, an irradiation centre and smart farm sites across St George, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim. The mission wrapped up with a knowledge exchange forum and the AUSVEG Fresh Produce Showcase at Hort Connections 2025.
  The initiative is funded via industry levies and delivered by AUSVEG in partnership with Hort Innovation, helping global buyers experience Australia's premium produce and world-class farming practices first-hand. Read more HERE.

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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