FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/22 - sponsored by Marine & Auto Depot

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:

• Biosecurity Consultation: Feedback Invited on Ethyl Formate Fumigation Methodology 
  Ethyl formate, used in combination with carbon dioxide, has been assessed by the department for its efficacy and is being considered for future use as an approved biosecurity treatment. DAFF has issued IIAN 182-2025 calling for industry feedback on its draft fumigation methodology for Ethyl formate, a potential alternative to methyl bromide in the treatment of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) on import pathways. Public consultation is now open via the Have Your Say platform and will close at 5:00 pm AEST, Friday 20 June 2025.
  Stakeholders – including treatment providers, freight companies, chemical manufacturers, and biosecurity authorities – are encouraged to review the methodology and share their views.
  BTPRG members are specifically encouraged to provide feedback to John Park as part of a coordinated submission. Members who wish to respond via the group submission should send their comments to John by COB Monday 16 June 2025. Read more HERE.

• Biosecurity Guidance: Clearance Process for Foreign Military Equipment – Talisman Sabre 2025
  DAFF has issued IIAN 176-2025 outlining onshore clearance requirements for foreign military equipment imported for Combined Military Activity Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25). All cargo must be lodged under a Full Import Declaration via the ICS by a licensed customs broker and assessed through COLS. Standard inspection timelines apply, with additional coordination required via military@aff.gov.au. Both offshore-inspected and non-inspected cargo must undergo biosecurity inspections on arrival. Brokers are urged to allow sufficient lead time to avoid delays and are encouraged to refer to the department's Visiting Military and BICON – Goods for Military Use webpages for full import guidance. Read more HERE.

• DAFF Seeks Industry Input on New Reporting Tool Development
  DAFF has released IIAN 175-2025 inviting industry participants and software vendors to engage in co-design sessions for the new Biosecurity Activity Reporting Tool (BART). The sessions will focus on Business to Government (B2G) API data exchange and ensure future systems meet industry needs. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their details to STEPS@aff.gov.au by 5:00 PM (AEDT) Friday 27 June 2025. Read more HERE.

• Biosecurity Innovation: Faster Pest Detection with New Diagnostic Technology
  DAFF has announced the successful rollout of two advanced diagnostic tools, MALDI-TOF and MinION, which significantly reduce the time needed to identify foreign pests at the border. Trialled in Sydney, the technology uses protein and DNA profiling to detect species like the Asian tiger mosquito — a high-risk vector for human diseases — in under seven hours, compared to a week using traditional methods. This initiative forms part of the Government's four-year Modern Technologies and Diagnostic Tools (MTDT) program aimed at strengthening Australia's biosecurity defences through faster, more targeted responses. Read more HERE.

• Biosecurity Win: Rapid Response Halts Exotic Snail Threat in Brisbane
  DAFF has confirmed that a prompt intervention at the Port of Brisbane successfully contained a potentially serious exotic snail incursion. After Bulimulus snails — a pest known to damage over 500 plant species — were reported by staff at an Approved Arrangement site, DAFF's technical response team was on-site within hours. Targeted surveillance and treatment, guided by the department's exotic snail specialist, have so far removed over 350 snails from multiple locations. This response underscores the value of early detection and highlights the ongoing threat posed by exotic pests to Australian agriculture and public health. If you see anything unusual, call 1800 798 636 or report it online via the See. Secure. Report portal. Read more HERE.

• S-methoprene Sourcing Restrictions Impact Oversize Tyre Imports
  DAFF has issued IIAN 169-2025 advising that importers of new and used oversize tyres from the EU and Brazil may face challenges complying with Australia's requirement to place solid s-methoprene slow-release treatments inside unwrapped tyres. These sourcing issues relate to restrictions on s-methoprene use in those regions. DAFF is investigating and working with affected importers. Stakeholders unable to meet the requirement should contact the Sea Cargo Policy team. Read more HERE.

• New Lodgement Process for Ship Stores and Carnet – Demonstration Sessions Announced
  DAFF has issued IIAN 179-2025 confirming that, from 7 October 2025, documentation for Ship Stores and Carnet will move from email submission to the online Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS). Developed under the STEPS Program, this change is designed to streamline the import process with faster, integrated processing. To help industry transition, DAFF is hosting drop-in demonstration sessions in July:
             > Session 1: Monday 30 June 2025, 1:00–2:30pm
             > Session 2: Tuesday 1 July 2025, 10:30am–12:00pm
  Participants must register by 5:00 PM (AEST) Friday 20 June 2025 by emailing STEPS@aff.gov.au with their name, contact details, company, role, and preferred session. Further support materials and guidance will be provided ahead of the go-live date. Read more HERE.

• Biosecurity Workshop: Preparing for Bulk Grain Imports – Register Now
  DAFF has released IIAN 180-2025 announcing a dedicated in-person industry workshop in Canberra on Wednesday 27 August 2025 to support stakeholders involved in importing bulk whole grain. With import demand expected to rise due to climate variability, the event will focus on key biosecurity requirements, risk assessments, import permits, handling, and compliance obligations. The interactive workshop will include scenario-based activities and direct engagement with DAFF staff.
  Details:
  ??? Wednesday 27 August 2025
  ?? 9:30am – 3:30pm AEST
  ?? Agriculture House, 70 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
  ?? Online attendance also available
  Register by 8 August 2025 via: https://events.humanitix.com/bulk-grain-workshop
  For questions, email imports@aff.gov.au with the subject line 'Plant T2 – Bulk grain workshop'. Read more HERE.

• Horticulture Export Update: Cherry Export Accreditation Open for 2025–26 Season
  DAFF has released IAN 2025-26 confirming that applications are now open for farm and packhouse accreditation and treatment facility registration for cherry exports to protocol markets including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and Korea. Applications close at 5:00 pm (AEST) Friday 27 June 2025, and late submissions will not be accepted.
  This season also introduces the Packhouse Grower Supplier Model (PGSM) as an optional additional export function. Crop monitor training must be completed by 4 July 2025. The notice outlines key responsibilities, audit expectations, and links to the Plant Export Operations Manual and Micor documentation.
  Stakeholders are strongly encouraged to start the process early and consult their relevant peak body or email the Horticulture Exports Program for support. Read more HERE.

• Horticulture Export Update: Summerfruit Export Accreditation Open for 2025–26 Season 
  DAFF has released IAN 2025-27 advising that applications are now open for farm and packhouse accreditation and treatment facility registration for exports of summerfruit to China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Applications must be lodged through the Summerfruit Australia export registration system by 5:00 pm AEST, 1 July 2025 – late submissions will not be accepted.
  Crop monitors must also complete online training and assessments by 11:59 pm AEST, 1 July 2025. The Packhouse Grower Supplier Model (PGSM) remains available for eligible packhouses.
  Applicants are reminded that audits may be announced or unannounced, and accreditation is subject to full compliance with market protocols and audit outcomes. For further support, contact DAFF's Horticulture Exports Program or Summerfruit Australia. Read more HERE.

• Horticulture Export Update: Facility Registration Open for Fresh Vegetable Exports to China
  DAFF has issued IAN 2025-28 advising that applications are now open for processing and packing facilities (registered establishments) intending to export fresh vegetables—including asparagus, komatsu, lettuce, parilla, radish, and yam—to China. Facilities must be registered with both DAFF and China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) before exports can commence.
  Applications should be submitted to the Horticulture Exports Program, with matching details from the RE certificate. Submissions will be forwarded to GACC quarterly, and applicants will be notified once approved.
  REs already registered with GACC do not need to reapply. Stakeholders should also ensure compliance with China's specific labelling requirements, as outlined in Micor. For queries, contact Horticulture Exports. Read more HERE.

• New Labelling Rules for Dairy Exports to Abu Dhabi Now in Effect
  DAFF has issued MAA 2025-12 advising that, from 1 June 2025, new mandatory labelling requirements apply to cheese and dairy beverages exported to Abu Dhabi, UAE. The regulation, enforced by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), introduces a "Nutrition Mark" labelling system, with specific obligations outlined in Annex 2A (cheese) and Annex 4A (dairy beverages and milk-based drinks). 
  Responsibility for accurate labelling rests with the business marketing the product or, if overseas, with the Abu Dhabi-based importer. Exporters should work closely with local partners to ensure compliance. The Micor database will be updated accordingly. For further details, view the WTO notification here or contact exportstandards@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• Ag Production Outlook: National Farm Value Dips, But Remains Historically High 
  DAFF has highlighted Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) June quarter forecast showing Australia's agricultural production value is expected to fall by 2.8% to $90.7 billion in 2025–26, primarily due to lower crop and livestock volumes. Including fisheries and forestry, the total value reaches $97.5 billion—the third highest on record.
  While parts of QLD, northern NSW, and southern WA are seeing favourable cropping conditions, regions such as SA, western VIC, and southern NSW are facing a moisture deficit, leaving production outcomes dependent on rainfall in the coming weeks. Export values are forecast to drop by $2.6 billion, but continued global demand for red meat and tightening grain stocks are expected to provide a buffer.
  Despite restocking and flood-related losses in NSW's dairy sector, the farm sector outlook remains resilient. Average broadacre farm profit is tipped to fall to $141,000, but still sit above the 10-year average.
  ?? Visit the Agricultural Outlook and Australian Crop Report for full details.

• Biosecurity Matters – Edition 2, 2025 Now Available
  DAFF has released the latest edition of Biosecurity Matters featuring key stories, including the call for nominations for the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards, which honour outstanding contributions to pest and disease prevention across nine categories. Other highlights include the successful bust of a wildlife trafficking operation, drone-enabled coastal surveillance by Indigenous ranger groups, and a rapid response to an exotic snail incursion at the Port of Brisbane.
  Industry stakeholders are encouraged to read the full edition to stay informed on the latest biosecurity developments:
  ?? Visit the Biosecurity Matters webpage. Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

• Meeting 100 2024 – Communique 
• Meeting 99 2024 – FNL Minutes 

• Nil recent reviews or suspensions for this week

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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