FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/17 - sponsored by B.I.E.R.S.

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:

• BMSB Risk Season Concludes – Measures Ended from 1 May 2025
  DAFF has officially declared the end of the 2024–25 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, effective 1 May 2025. Goods shipped on or after this date from identified risk countries are no longer subject to seasonal BMSB biosecurity measures. However, goods shipped between 1 September 2024 and 30 April 2025 remain subject to BMSB requirements, regardless of arrival date.
  Ro-Ro vessels will still be required to submit Seasonal Pest Questionnaires until 30 June, and may be subject to inspection if they've berthed or loaded cargo from risk countries during the risk season. Importers, vessel masters, freight forwarders, and biosecurity industry participants are reminded that maintaining vigilance against biosecurity risks is a year-round responsibility.
  Class 19.2 Approved Arrangement processing remains available to facilitate clearance of affected goods, and new shipments may continue to use AEPCOMM for standard measures. Further information is available via the department's BMSB webpage or by contacting the Hitchhiker Pests Policy team. Read more HERE. 

• Version 3.0 of Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology Now in Force
  DAFF has confirmed that Version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology is now in effect for all treatments commencing from 1 May 2025 (local time). A transition period is in place, allowing certificates issued under Version 2.0 requirements until 30 June 2025. After this date, all certificates must comply with the new standard.
  Updated Approved Arrangement conditions for Class 4.6 Fumigation Sites (v5.0) and Class 12.1 Methyl Bromide Fumigation (v4.0) are also now in force. Industry participants — including importers, customs brokers, treatment providers, and approved arrangement holders — are encouraged to review the revised documentation and templates now available online. Read more HERE.

• Burnt Pine Longicorn Flight Season Ends – BPL Measures Ceased from 30 April
  The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has confirmed the conclusion of the 2024–25 Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) beetle flight season as of 30 April 2025 (NZST). Heightened BPL surveillance measures for vessels departing New Zealand have ceased, and targeted BPL questionnaires will no longer be issued via MARS.
  Timber and timber products imported from New Zealand are no longer subject to seasonal BPL import conditions. Stakeholders should refer to BICON for standard import requirements moving forward. Read more HERE. 

• Imported Food Failing Food Report – March 2025 Released
  DAFF has published the March 2025 Failing Food Report, highlighting imported foods that did not meet safety standards under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. Read more HERE. 

• Final Report Released – Pomelo Imports from Vietnam
  DAFF has finalised its biosecurity import requirements for fresh pomelo from Vietnam. The risk analysis is now complete, with full details available via the department's website. 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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