FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/15 - sponsored by Freight Mart International

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:

• 100th DCCC Meeting Highlights Biosecurity Reform and Trade Facilitation
  DAFF's Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) held its 100th meeting on 3 April 2025 in Canberra, with FTA attending alongside other industry representatives. The milestone meeting focused on delivering a modern, resilient biosecurity system through the Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap, digital reforms under the STEPS program, and updates on sustainable funding models. Discussions also covered the integration of biosecurity requirements into low-value imports and national port infrastructure expansion. The committee will revise its Terms of Reference and reconvene on 31 July 2025 to continue progressing joint industry–government initiatives. Read more HERE. 

• 'Biosecurity Matters' Returns: Action Plan, AI for Locusts & New Fumigation Rules
  The first 2025 edition of Biosecurity Matters spotlights the National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan, setting a clear roadmap for stronger protections across industry and government. Key stories include: AI-driven locust forecasting, a global challenge to protect honey bees, and the rollout of Version 3.0 of methyl bromide fumigation methodology from 1 May 2025. It also covers rising Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) detections, the role of general surveillance programs, and public participation in biosecurity. Read more HERE. 

• DAFF Proposes New Testing Rules for Tomato and Capsicum Seed Imports
  DAFF is reviewing its testing policies for imported tomato and capsicum seeds, focusing on improved detection of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV). Proposed changes include: restricting testing to provisionally authorised labs, updating approved qPCR protocols, setting defined Ct cut-off scores, and introducing re-testing and record-keeping requirements. Feedback is open until COB 9 May 2025. A transition period will apply for consignments already tested under current rules once changes are confirmed. Read more HERE.

• DAFF to Host Info Sessions on New Cargo Status Reports via Biosecurity Portal
  As part of the STEPS Program, DAFF will roll out two new self-service reports via the Biosecurity Portal covering Record of Services (Fees) and Approved Arrangement Class 19.2 uptake and usage. These additions build on the cargo visibility tools launched in November 2024. To support the release, DAFF will run a series of one-hour online info sessions from 5–8 May 2025. Accredited Class 19 operators and self-reporting importers are encouraged to register and attend. Training materials are available via Learnhub and the Biosecurity Portal. Read more HERE.

• CBIS Expansion to Cover Test Kits and Purified Antibodies from 1 May
  From 1 May 2025, DAFF will extend the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) to import pathways for test kits not testing for disease agents and purified antibodies (specific to tariff codes 3822.19, 3002.12, and 3002.15). Importers with a valid permit who meet biosecurity conditions and build a strong compliance record may benefit from reduced document assessment rates. Customs brokers must accurately respond to new ICS profile questions to trigger CBIS eligibility. Importers remain responsible for meeting all biosecurity and TGA requirements. Read more HERE.

• Paperless Phytosanitary Certificates Now Accepted from USA and Korea
  Effective 16 April 2025, DAFF will begin accepting electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos) for grain and horticulture imports from the United States and the Republic of Korea via the IPPC ePhyto Hub. This expands the paperless trade already in place with New Zealand. The process applies to Full Import Declarations and Long Form SCL lodgements. Importers, customs brokers, and class 19.2 accredited persons must ensure ePhyto numbers are correctly included in declarations—no paper certificates required if submitted properly. ePhytos can be viewed via the EVE system on the Biosecurity Portal. Read more HERE.

• DAFF Enhances Portal for Bulk Stockfeed Inspection Bookings
  DAFF has upgraded the Biosecurity Portal to improve bookings for biosecurity inspections of bulk stockfeed arriving in ship holds. Two new inspection types have been added—Bulk Commodity in Ship Hold Inspection (Stockfeed) and Bulk Commodity Landed Goods Inspection (Stockfeed)—to streamline processes at class 21.1 and 2.3 Approved Arrangement sites. The system now defaults to booking two officers for in-ship inspections, unless the agent nominates an industry representative in the Additional Comments field, which may reduce officer attendance and associated fees. Agents must also specify the number of holds requiring inspection when submitting the request. Read more HERE.

• NEXDOC Now Requires Manufacturer Details in REX for 'Other Goods' Exports
  Effective 31 March 2025, exporters using the NEXDOC system to lodge a Request for Export (REX) for certificates NX188M, NX188B, AFQT1, and AFSA1 must include the manufacturer's name under the product for export section. If missing, the department will reject the REX until details are provided. This requirement does not apply to NX418 certificates or to REXs submitted via the 20+ product lines packing list function. Visual guidance has been provided within the notice to assist exporters and agents with correct data entry. Read more HERE.

• Egypt Drops Halal Certification Requirement for Imported Dairy
  Effective immediately, Egypt has officially excluded imported milk and milk products from its halal certification requirements. This decision overturns earlier plans announced via the WTO in 2021 and removes the obligation for Australian dairy exports to Egypt to be halal-certified. Exporters should still ensure compliance with Egypt's broader import regulations and be aware that halal certification may still be needed for products marketed as halal. Micor will be updated accordingly. 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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