FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/29 - sponsored by Evolution Fumigation

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:

• Applications Now Open for 2025–26 Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme 
  DAFF has opened applications for the Safeguarding Arrangement Scheme for the 2025–26 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, with mandatory updates now in effect. The scheme is available to Biosecurity Industry Participants, Suppliers, Customs Brokers, and others involved in importing goods requiring increased biosecurity intervention.
  Key updates include a revised application form, mandatory use of the Biosecurity Mitigation & Contingency Plan template, and a new Importer's Declaration requirement. All applications must include detailed documentation of supply chain processes, with indoor storage remaining a critical eligibility requirement. Outdoor storage may be accepted only under strict, evidence-based conditions.
  Applications will not be backdated, and goods shipped before approval will be subject to standard BMSB seasonal measures. 
  Further information is available on the DAFF website, with support via the Safeguarding email. 
  Further information regarding BMSB seasonal measures, can be found on the BMSB webpage agriculture.gov.au/bmsb or for policy information email HPP@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• New Online Training for Class 12.1 Methyl Bromide Fumigation 
  DAFF has launched a new online training course for methyl bromide fumigation under Approved Arrangement Class 12.1, developed with the Biosecurity Training Centre at Charles Sturt University. This self-paced e-learning module, aligned with the updated Methodology Version 3.0, replaces the previous training offered by commercial providers.
  Completion of the course is now mandatory for new Class 12.1 accreditations. While existing accredited fumigators are not required to complete the new training, it is strongly encouraged as a refresher.
  The course is free for a limited time during its rollout and can be accessed via the 'Fumigation accreditation' section on DAFF's website. Additional training through industry bodies remains encouraged to complement learning. Read more HERE.

• Applications Open for 2025–26 Table Grape Exports to Protocol Markets
  DAFF has opened applications for farm and packhouse accreditation and treatment facility registration for the 2025–26 table grape export season to protocol markets including China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Applications must be submitted online via the Australian Table Grape Association registration system by 5:00pm AEST, 29 August 2025—late applications will not be accepted. 
  Entities must ensure complete and accurate information, as audits will be conducted either pre-season or in-season. New participants will face mandatory pre-season audits, and crop monitors must complete training by the same deadline. 
  Packhouses can also apply for the Packhouse Grower Supplier Model (PGSM) to manage farm compliance, provided they were accredited in 2024–25. Treatment facilities must be approved under specific protocols, and any changes to their operation must be updated via the Digital Export Service.
  All participants are reminded that outstanding debt to DAFF will result in application refusal, and audits may be announced or unannounced. Full details, market-specific requirements, and training materials are available in the Plant Export Operations Manual and the MICoR database. Read more HERE.

• NEXDOC Registration Now Open for Inedible Meat Exporters
  DAFF has announced that registrations are now open in NEXDOC for exporters, manufacturers, agents, and freight forwarders dealing in inedible meat products, including raw pet meat, processed pet food, rendered products, and animal-derived technical and pharmaceutical materials.
  To continue obtaining export documentation, affected businesses must either register for NEXDOC or, if already registered, add the inedible meat commodity to their account. Although a formal transition date has not yet been set, exporters are encouraged to register early via DAFF's client portal to avoid future delays.
  Detailed guidance is available on DAFF's website, with regular information sessions and support tools to assist with the onboarding process. Read more HERE.

• DAFF Confirms Ongoing AAV Audit Program from July 2025
  DAFF has announced that audits of Australian Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs) will now become standard business practice, transitioning from a pilot phase into an ongoing, risk-based program. Starting July 2025, 24 AAVs will be audited annually, selected based on factors such as volume of consignments or involvement in complex markets. The audits aim to uphold welfare standards and enhance assurance in live animal exports. Costs will be recovered directly from audited AAVs, and resources are available on the DAFF website to assist with compliance. Read more HERE.

• Exporters Urged to Attach Original Documents to Companion Animal Crates
  DAFF has issued Export Advisory Notice 2025/03, urging all exporters of companion animals to securely attach original export documents to the animal's crate prior to departure. This simple step helps avoid costly delays at destination ports, where missing paperwork has led to animals being held in quarantine. The advice follows reports of documentation being separated from shipments in transit. Airlines, freight forwarders, and pet transport agents are strongly encouraged to follow this best practice. 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

* Exclusive Webinar *
FTA/APSA are pleased to confirm that we will be hosting a webinar in collaboration with TradeWindow on Thursday 31 July 2025, to showcase their offering and highlight the benefits for members:
Date: Thursday, 31 July 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM AEST
Register for the webinar 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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