FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 11 250325 - sponsored by WiseTech Academy

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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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:

WHS Alert: Turkish Fumigation Provider TR4021SB Under Review – Affected Containers Listed:
DAFF has raised concerns about the gas clearance process used by Turkish treatment provider Yukselis Liman Hizmetleri ve Ilaclama Ambalaj San. TIC. LTD. STI. (AEI: TR4021SB), which uses sulfuryl fluoride to fumigate containers. As detailed in IIAN 83-2025, the provider is now listed as under review, and DAFF has released a list of affected containers whose treatment certificates are no longer considered valid—regardless of the treatment or issue date. FTA/APSA urges members to take WHS precautions when handling these containers, as further inspection or biosecurity action may be applied, including for consignments currently in transit. Read more HERE.

Transition phase of the Highly Compliant Importer Project:
From 26 March 2025, DAFF will turn off the old Highly Compliant Importer Project (HCIP) settings, meaning eligible goods will now go through standard screening unless already moved to the new AIMS-based Highly Compliant Importer (HCI) scheme. Most importers and commodities have already transitioned, so only minor increases in checks are expected. Read more HERE.

Patrick Terminal in Melbourne Introduces New Visibility Initiative for GAS-Held Container Inspections:
A new initiative led by Patrick Terminals will give importers, customs brokers, and transport operators clearer visibility of inspection dates for containers held under the Country Action List (GAS holds). Notifications are now being shared via OneStop to help plan ahead, reduce delays, and avoid unnecessary storage or detention costs. This is a welcome step toward better transparency, with FTA/APSA continuing to push for national reform so cargo owners have more control and less financial risk. Read more HERE.

Consultation Open: Proposed Algae Standards for Organic Exports:
DAFF has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce, specifically to include a new section on algae. Organic operators, exporters, certifiers, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback. 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.

24 March Report LOGIN REQUIRED

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 (ONLY 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE)
Saturday 5 April 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (ONLY 11 SPOTS AVAILABLE)

MELBOURNE (Hyatt Place Essendon Fields)
9 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 9 April)
10 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 10 April)

PERTH (Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront)
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 24 April)

BRISBANE (Brisbane Airport Conference Centre)
Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE (member early bird rate closes 4 May)

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.

The DCCC meets a minimum of three times per year with out-of-session meetings scheduled as necessary. In 2025, three meetings are scheduled for 3 April, 31 July and 27 November.

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:

24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 83/2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider 'under review'
21.03.2025 : Possible WHS issues with SF containers treated by TR4021SB - UPDATE
21.03.2025 : Possible WHS issues with SF containers treated by TR4021SB

Notices:

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

- Exports:

21.03.2025 : DAFF - Export advisory notice 2025/01 Consultation on proposed changes to include a new algae section in the National Standard
18.03.2025 : DAFF - Non-tariff barriers: A multi-billion dollar burden

- Imports:

24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 87/2025: Scheduled Outage: Sunday 30 March 2025 – NEXDOC, MARS, PEBS
24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 86/2025: Scheduled Outage: Friday 28 March to Saturday 29 March 2025 – BICON
24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 85/2025: Scheduled Outage: Thursday 27 March 2025 – PEBS
24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 84/2025: Scheduled Outage: Friday 28 March 2025 – AAMP
24.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 83/2025: List of treatment providers: treatment provider 'under review'
21.03.2025 : Possible WHS issues with SF containers treated by TR4021SB - UPDATE
21.03.2025 : Possible WHS issues with SF containers treated by TR4021SB
21.03.2025 : DAFF - 82/2025: Upcoming changes to the BICON case for the import of dog semen to Australia
21.03.2025 : Patrick (Melbourne) - Giant African Snail (GAS) Inspection Notifications via OneStop
21.03.2025 : 2025 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program - Sydney Friday 4 April, 2025 Re-opened to meet overwhelming demand!
20.03.2025 : DAFF - IIAN 81/2025: Transition phase of the Highly compliant importer project
18.03.2025 : DAFF - Non-tariff barriers: A multi-billion dollar burden

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.