FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/19 - sponsored by Steritech

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:

• BTPRG Members Receive Advance Copy of The Future of Biosecurity Fumigation Monitoring discussion paper
  Members of the Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) have received an advance copy of The Future of Biosecurity Fumigation Monitoring discussion paper, ahead of its broader release. The department is seeking targeted feedback on how onshore treatment providers would interact with proposed technologies and how these might offer greater assurance around treatment effectiveness. Public release of the consultation paper is expected later this week, with consultation open until 2 June 2025.
  The BTPRG was established by FTA in 2020 to provide a unified voice for treatment providers in engagement with DAFF. For more information on the BTPRG, contact John Park.

• Subscribe to NEXDOC Alerts for critical NEXDOC export updates
  DAFF will soon issue all critical NEXDOC export updates—such as system outages, certification issues, and regulatory changes—via its subscription service only. Exporters not subscribed to the 'NEXDOC – exporters and Client Groups' list risk missing essential notifications. Stakeholders are urged to register via the department's subscription centre to avoid disruptions.
  To become a NEXDOC exporters and Client Groups stakeholder and receive these notifications, go to the subscription centre, enter your details and select the 'NEXDOC – exporters and Client Groups' option.
  
  For more information, please contact the NEXDOC Helpdesk.

• Consultation Opens on Proposed Export Control Rule Changes
  DAFF has opened public consultation on proposed amendments to the Export Control Rules 2021 covering meat, poultry, rabbit, ratite, and wild game. Key changes include updating the veal carcase weight limit, referencing the 2025 AUSMEAT language, and streamlining auditor reporting obligations. Submissions are open from 19 May to 20 June 2025 via the DAFF Have Your Say platform. Read more HERE.

• Nominations Open for Biosecurity Business Network Workshop
  DAFF has announced that nominations are now open to participate in a co-design workshop for the new Biosecurity Business Network program, scheduled for 17 June 2025. The initiative aims to build stronger partnerships between government and industry, supporting businesses to take a more proactive, risk-aware approach to biosecurity compliance.
  Stakeholders across the supply chain—including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, port authorities, and transport operators—are encouraged to apply. A key outcome of the program will be the introduction of a voluntary Biosecurity Business Pledge, allowing participants to publicly demonstrate their commitment to best-practice biosecurity standards.
  The workshop will be held online and run for three hours, focusing on the program's framework and the development of practical support materials. Nominations close Wednesday, 28 May 2025, with participants to be advised of the outcome. Those unable to attend will have the opportunity to provide input via a survey. Read more HERE.

• Updates to Managing Mushroom for Propagation
  From 23 May 2025, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will implement revised import conditions and onshore inspection procedures for mushroom spawn and cultures intended for propagation. These updates will simplify and align the management of both fresh and frozen forms of the commodity.
  The requirement for a phytosanitary certificate will be removed for all mushroom spawn and cultures, regardless of whether they are fresh or frozen. Importers must still hold a valid import permit and provide a manufacturer's declaration.
  Fresh and frozen conditions have been merged into a single BICON case, ensuring consistent documentation, inspection, and onshore outcomes. The new inspection direction, 'Verification – Verify Commodity', includes full unpacking, checking packaging and labelling, and limited opening of cartons or bags as required—without opening plastic-wrapped mushroom logs. This updated pathway enables general inspectors to conduct inspections, expanding capacity while maintaining effective biosecurity oversight. Read more HERE.

• New Biosecurity Inspection Terminal for East Devonport
  TasPorts, in collaboration with Biosecurity Tasmania, is building a dedicated biosecurity inspection terminal in East Devonport as part of its QuayLink redevelopment. Designed to handle peak ferry disembarkation volumes from TT-Line and SeaRoad, the facility will streamline inspections under the Interstate Container Inspection Regime (ICIR), reduce local road congestion, and enhance Tasmania's biosecurity resilience. Completion is expected by August 2025. 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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