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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:

New Requirements for Khapra Beetle Treatments Effective 28 May 2025
Importers, freight forwarders, biosecurity industry participants, and class 19 accredited persons — take note of important changes coming into effect from 28 May 2025 as part of Australia's ongoing efforts to manage the khapra beetle risk.
DAFF is introducing three key updates to pre-border khapra beetle treatment and certification requirements:
1. Updated Wording on Phytosanitary Certificates - New standard declarations for goods treated in gas permeable or impermeable packaging will be required to verify compliance with offshore fumigation protocols.
2. Mandatory NPPO Supervision for Certain Treatment Providers - Offshore treatments carried out by providers listed as Suspended, Under Review, or Withdrawn will now require direct supervision by the relevant National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), with additional declarations included on phytosanitary certificates.
3. Removal of the Fourth Sampling Tube - The current requirement for a fourth concentration sampling tube beneath containers during fumigation will be removed, aligning khapra beetle treatments with standard practice under the Methyl Bromide Methodology.
These changes will apply to consignments with phytosanitary certificates issued on or after 28 May 2025. A transitional period of at least 10 weeks will apply, during which DAFF will support compliance without penalties.
Import permits will be automatically varied at no cost to reflect the new conditions, and an online information session will be held in May 2025.
For full details, refer to the factsheet: Khapra beetle treatment for Australian imports – upcoming changes to requirements, or contact Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.
Spike in Offshore Fumigation Suspensions Under AFAS
A sharp rise in offshore fumigation suspensions has been recorded under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), with multiple providers in India and one in Singapore affected. In just six days, DAFF has suspended four Indian providers — Blue Bird Pest Control, New Era Fumigation Service, DPCS Pest Control, and Dharmendra Pest Control Service — citing biosecurity concerns. Singapore-based Ace Pest Control Pte Ltd is also under formal review. The moves reflect a renewed focus on ensuring offshore treatment standards meet Australia's stringent biosecurity requirements.

DAFF Updates Instructions for Plant Export Records
DAFF has issued updated guidance for authorised officers (AOs) on completing plant export inspection and treatment records, effective 3 April 2025. The revised work instruction clarifies mandatory use of the Plant Exports Management System (PEMS), outlines how records can be amended after submission, and provides new detail on bulk vessel loading records and pest reporting. Officers are required to follow the updated procedures immediately to align with the Export Control Act 2020. Read more HERE.

Reminder: Methyl Bromide v3.0 & Biosecurity Treatment Updates Coming Soon
A reminder that version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology will come into effect on 1 May 2025. DAFF will present the upcoming changes — along with other key biosecurity treatment updates — at a series of upcoming events. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to attend and stay informed to ensure continued compliance. Session details are below.

FTA 2025 Events Program:
FTA event season is underwaywith 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.

07 April Report LOGIN REQUIRED

Methyl Bromide v3.0 and Other Biosecurity Treatments

Over the last two years, the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) has actively engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) providing operational feedback on version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology (commencing 1 May 2025).
DAFF will be presenting these changes and other biosecurity treatment updates at the following events:

MELBOURNE
8 April 2025, 1:00PM-4:00PM AEST - Methyl Bromide and other biosecurity treatment updates – Information Session
Book Tickets

BRISBANE
10 April 2025, 1:00PM-4:00PM AEST - Methyl Bromide and other biosecurity treatment updates – Information Session
Book Tickets

PERTH
15 April 2025, 1:00PM-4:00PM AWST - Methyl Bromide and other biosecurity treatment updates – Information Session
Book Tickets

ADELAIDE
16 April 2025, 1:00PM-4:00PM ACST - Methyl Bromide and other biosecurity treatment updates – Information Session
Book Tickets

SYDNEY
17 April 2025, 1:00PM-4:00PM AEST - Methyl Bromide and other biosecurity treatment updates – Information Session
Book Tickets

IMPORTANT NOTE : these sessions are separate to the FTA hosted Regulated Cargo Facility Forums (77G Depots, Approved Arrangements & RACA Operators) that will examine in more detail DAFF compliance measures and broader operational considerations - program and registration details for the FTA sessions are below.

2025-2026 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program Launch

FTA have launched our final programs for the 2025-2026 CPD Border Compliance Program sessions with content delivered by an expert panel of presenters from across government and commerce. With the Sydney event a record-breaking success, please view the program and purchase your tickets via the links below for the remaining sessions. We recommend that you book now to receive the member early bird rate.

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 (closes 5pm TODAY)

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

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. GST) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. GST) per customs broker licensing period. Please email Caroline at CZalai@FTAlliance.com.au if you wish to purchase a package.

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 Reviews and/or Suspensions:

7 April 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 110-2025: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment provider 'suspended' M/s Blue Bird Pest Control Pvt. Ltd. (AEI: IN0419MB)
4 April 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 109-2025: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment provider 'suspended' M/s New Era Fumigation Service (AEI: IN0619MB)
3 April 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 103-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider under review – Ace Pest Control Pte Ltd (AEI: SG4018SB)
2 April 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 102-2025: Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme: treatment providers 'suspended' M/s DPCS Pest Control (P) Ltd (AEI: IN0149MB) and M/s Dharmendra Pest Control Service (AEI: IN0346MB)

Notices:

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

- Exports:

7 April 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-16: Plant Exports Branch - Methyl bromide and other biosecurity fumigation updates
7 April 2025 : FTA / APSA initial response to the US Tariffs - US TARIFF UPDATE 4
4 April 2025 : DAFF - New fumigation methodology comes into force in May
April 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-15: Plant Exports Branch – Export systems expected maintenance outage
3 April 2025 : Austrade resources to support businesses navigating US tariffs - UPDATE 3
3 April 2025 : US TARIFF IMPLEMENTATION - UPDATE 2 : Register now for the latest detail
3 April 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-14: Plant Exports – Update to inspection and treatment records instructional material
3 April 2025 : IMPACT OF NEW U.S. TARIFFS ON AUSTRALIAN TRADE
2 April 2025 : FTA / APSA Weekly Report 13 - sponsored by Veritas

- Imports:

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.

FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/13 - sponsored by EcoFum