SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Keith has been in the Pest control industry for decades and started this company 11 years ago with a mission to provide top-quality Fumigation and Pest control services. He's not just a business owner, but also a proud father of three (fun fact: "Log" is an acronym of his children's names).

Give us a call today to see how Keith and his team can help you with all your pest control needs! The Tarp Specialists

www.logfumigation.com.au

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:

Community Protection Question 510 Removed – Illegal Logging Question Dropped from Declarations
Community Protection Question 510 (AQIS Illegal Logging) has officially been removed from Formal Import Declarations. A win for common sense, thanks to strong FTA-DAFF collaboration—this change reduces red tape and streamlines compliance for customs brokers. Read more HERE.

Update to Methyl Bromide Fumigation Certificate Requirements
DAFF has released IIAN 145-2025 confirming updated documentary requirements for methyl bromide fumigation certificates under version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology, in effect from 1 May 2025.
Key points:
- Minimum certificate requirements (e.g. dosage, exposure, temperature) are now listed in Section 12 of the new methodology.
- DAFF is shifting from the Min Docs policy to specifying requirements directly in BICON cases.
- A transition period applies until 30 June 2025.
- Certificates for treatments after 1 July 2025 must comply with Section 12.3 of the new methodology.
Read more HERE.
Khapra Beetle Rule Changes Take Effect 28 May
DAFF has issued IIAN 148-2025 as a final reminder that new offshore treatment and certification requirements for khapra beetle risk goods come into effect on 28 May 2025.
Key changes include:
- Revised additional declarations for gas permeable packaging
- New NPPO supervision and declaration rules if treatment providers are suspended or non-compliant
- Removal of the fourth concentration sampling tube for container fumigation
A 10-week transition period will follow, with DAFF supporting importers to meet compliance. Import permits will be automatically updated and issued under the new rules from 28 May. Urgent permits can still be requested in advance. Virtual info session: Session 2 for importers and brokers is scheduled for 20 May 2025 – see IIAN 130-2025 to register. Read more HERE.

Cost Recovery Consultations Underway for 2025–26
DAFF has released a suite of Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) consultations across key export commodities. This includes dairy, eggs, fish, meat, horticulture, grain, and live animals.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft CRIS documents and provide feedback to ensure fair and effective cost recovery arrangements.
These consultations will impact exporters, producers, and Approved Arrangement holders engaged in regulated export supply chains. Refer to the Notices section below for more detail.
Tasmanian Apple Export Protocol Updated
DAFF has updated the export protocol for Tasmanian apples to China, now titled "apples from Australia." Changes include new pest monitoring, a 60-piece fruit cut at inspection, and revised phytosanitary certificate requirements. Read more HERE.

New Zealand Certification Update for Australian Salmonid Exports
From 20 May 2025, new certification requirements apply for Australian salmonid products exported to New Zealand. Exporters must select from four new product category endorsements in NEXDOC, each aligned with New Zealand's import health standards and specific certification rules. Read more HERE.
Plant Export Audit Materials Updated
DAFF has updated key instructional materials relating to audit processes for plant exports. Changes include clearer auditor guidance, updated terminology (e.g. CARs now called NCNs), and streamlined documents now aligned with new templates. Read more HERE.
Korea Removed from 12 May NEXDOC Transition
DAFF has confirmed that the Republic of Korea will no longer be included in the 12 May 2025 NEXDOC rollout for Other Goods. Certification for Korea will remain manual until a new transition date is announced. The move to NEXDOC for China, Hong Kong, and Macau will proceed as planned. Read more HERE.
Applications Open for 2025–26 Lychee & Mango Exports
DAFF has opened applications for accreditation of farms, packhouses, and registration of treatment facilities to export lychees and mangoes to protocol markets including the USA, China, and South Korea. Applications close 5:00 pm (AEST) Friday 25 July 2025, with audits to follow in August–September. 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

Note: It is recommended that members note the Data Definitions on page 3 when viewing the following report provided by DAFF.

12 May Report LOGIN REQUIRED

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.

PERTH (Double Tree by Hilton Perth Waterfront)
Saturday 24 May 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

BRISBANE (Brisbane Airport Conference Centre)
Wednesday 4 June 2025 - Program HERE / Registration HERE

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.

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:

6 May 2025 : DAFF - IIAN 141-2025: List of registered treatment providers update: treatment provider under review – SGS Canada Inc (AEI: CA4003SB)

Notices:

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

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 2025/18 - sponsored by Log Fumigation