FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 16 290425 - sponsored by Luckens Fumigation Services

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:

• Reminder: Class 19.1 – Reporting Dangerous Goods for Rural Unpack
  Accredited persons are reminded that consignments containing dangerous goods destined for unpack in rural postcodes must be reported correctly under approved arrangement class 19.1, following external tailgate inspection requirements. Failure to comply may lead to delays, amendment requests, and additional document assessment fees.
  Process Summary:
  If unpacking at a Class 1 AA site:
  -     Enter concern code BNCC.
  -     Lodge documentation via COLS, explaining why the consignment was volunteered.
  -     A biosecurity officer will issue an Inspection – Ext. Container Insp – Movement direction.
  If unpacking at a Class 14.4 AA site:
  -     Enter concern code REAA.
  -     An AA Rural Tailgate Ext. Inspect direction will automatically be generated.
  Important:
  If accredited persons do not correctly declare consignments containing dangerous goods, you may be requested by the department to amend your import declaration. This could result in delays in assessment processing times and additional document assessment fees. For any further information, members are encouraged to email AEPsupport@aff.gov.au.

• Public Submissions Open – ABARES Review of Australian Chicken Meat Industry
  Members are advised that ABARES is seeking submissions to inform its independent review of the Australian chicken meat industry, focusing on the relationship between growers and integrated producers. Submissions are open until 30 May 2025 and can be lodged via the Have Your Say platform, either as a written submission or through a guided portal. Confidentiality deeds are available for all submissions, and a draft report is expected to be released for stakeholder comment by mid-2025. Read more HERE. 

• Upcoming Information Sessions – Changes to Khapra Beetle Treatment Requirements
  Members are advised that the DAFF will host virtual information sessions on upcoming changes to offshore treatment and certification requirements for managing khapra beetle risks. The sessions, targeted at offshore treatment providers, NPPOs, Australian importers and brokers, will be held on 15 and 20 May 2025 via Microsoft Teams. Attendance is highly recommended for those involved in the import of high-risk plant products such as rice, beans, dried chilli, cumin and coriander seeds from target risk countries. Read more HERE. 

• Reminder – Updated Aircraft Disinsection Certificates Required by 30 June 2025
  Airlines, aircraft operators, and third-party service providers are reminded that from 30 June 2025, only the latest disinsection certificate templates outlined in the Schedule of Aircraft Disinsection Procedures (Version 5.3) will be accepted for flights into Australia and New Zealand. Failure to use the correct certification may result in delays, additional biosecurity controls, on-arrival disinsection treatments, and associated fees. Read more HERE. 

• Xylella Emergency Measures – Iraq Now Classified as High-Risk Country
  Effective immediately, Iraq has been classified as a high-risk country for Xylella fastidiosa following new scientific evidence. Importers of host nursery stock from Iraq must comply with enhanced conditions, including mandatory testing, treatment, and pre-export certification. Tissue cultures and non-tissue cultures must now meet strict biosecurity measures to manage the heightened risk. Read more HERE. 

• Certification Updates – Avian Influenza and Poultry Exports to New Caledonia
  Members are advised that, effective 24 April 2025, Australian poultry meat, ostrich and emu products, and eggs sourced outside Victoria are eligible for export to New Caledonia, subject to new certification conditions. Products produced or packed in the ACT (from 1 January 2025) and NSW (from 20 February 2025) are now eligible, while Victorian-sourced products remain ineligible. Exporters must ensure compliance with updated certification and sourcing requirements prior to shipment. Read more HERE. 

• Post-Mortem Inspection Changes – US Acceptance of Australian Procedures for Beef Masticatory Muscles
  Members are advised that the United States Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has accepted Australia's post-mortem inspection procedures for beef masticatory muscles (cheek and masseter), as detailed in AS 4696:2023, as delivering equivalent food safety outcomes. US-listed establishments wishing to access the non-incised beef masticatory muscle market must amend their Approved Arrangements and comply with updated inspection and certification requirements. Read more HERE. 

• FTA 2025 Events Program: 
  FTA event season is underway with 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

2025-2026 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program Launch

• Meeting 100 2024 – Communique 
• Meeting 99 2024 – 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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