FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 07 250225 - sponsored by WiseTech Academy

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

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Dear Tom

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:

Regulatory Charging Changes for 2025/26:
DAFF has announced updates to biosecurity and imported food regulatory fees and charges, impacting importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, biosecurity industry participants, vessel masters, and shipping agents. From 1 July 2025, fees will be indexed, and full cost recovery will be implemented for all diagnostic activities, including tests and examinations. Additionally, a revised fee structure for diagnostics and a one-off upgrade charge for approved arrangement holders transitioning from single to multiple holders will be introduced, pending government approval. Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback via the department's 'Have Your Say' platform before 5 pm AEST on 21 March 2025. Read more HERE.

Illegal Logging Laws Reform – Key Updates:
Australia's reformed Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 will take effect next week from 3 March 2025, introducing updated due diligence requirements for importers and processors. To support industry transition, the government has released factsheets outlining new responsibilities and will distribute a second digital kit (digikit) before the deadline. Additional guidance materials will be available, with an opportunity for industry feedback in the first six months to ensure clarity and compliance. For more information, visit the Illegal Logging website or contact the department's compliance branch. Read more on the latest HERE.

Avian Influenza Market Access Update:
Market Access Advice (MAA 2025-05) confirms that Vanuatu has lifted restrictions on poultry meat and egg exports from areas previously impacted by the 2024 avian influenza outbreaks in Victoria, NSW, and ACT. However, due to a new 2025 outbreak in Victoria, trade restrictions remain in place for products sourced from affected control 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.

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

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

24 February Report LOGIN REQUIRED

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Mandatory CBC Modules

The DAFF Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) is now live on the Department's Learnhub site. The assessment has been uploaded onto the FTA training platform "MYFTACPD" under "My Learning" and "Active" filter for FTA members that attended a 2024 CPD Border Compliance Program or for those that have purchased an online training package for the period ending 31 March 2025. The Assessment must be completed by Monday 17 March 2025.
Further details available HERE
If you are experiencing issues accessing Learnhub - please refer to How to Log into Learnhub.
The Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) course will provide you with 2 CPD Points in Stream A on successful completion of the assessment. Please ensure you take this into consideration when completing your 30 CPD points for the customs broker licencing period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

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:

Nil suspensions this week

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.

Survey - False / Fraudulent documents in Biosecurity

Members are reminded to participate in the FTA Survey on False/Fraudulent Documents in Biosecurity, shared previously via member notice.
?? Take the Survey Here LOGIN REQUIRED

As always, we encourage members to share their feedback and insights to help us identify issues and advocate for improvements on your behalf.

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