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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:

Imported Marine Meal – DAFF Launches Verification Operation
From June to 30 September 2025, DAFF is conducting a verification activity on imported marine meal used for aquaculture. The operation will assess the effectiveness of existing regulatory controls and determine whether this commodity can be added to the Compliance Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS). If successful, eligible importers may benefit from reduced inspection rates and risk-based intervention under CBIS. Read more HERE.

Germany Now Recognised as FMD-Free
Following a detailed technical review, DAFF has declared Germany free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), effective from 14 April 2025. Goods derived from FMD-susceptible species (e.g. cattle, pigs, sheep, camelids) can now be imported if fully finished and exported before 14 Nov 2024 or produced on/after 14 Apr 2025, subject to standard permit conditions. Restrictions remain in place for goods sourced during the interim period unless managed under approved measures. Read more HERE.

Class 19.2 Industry Reporting – Info Sessions Announced
DAFF is set to release a new reporting feature via the Biosecurity Portal for operators under Approved Arrangement Class 19.2. The report will provide greater visibility into usage and uptake, helping businesses monitor their performance and improve compliance. This follows earlier rollouts of cargo status tracking (Nov 2024) and record of service (fee) reporting (May 2025). As part of the STEPS program, this aims to deliver a more streamlined, data-driven clearance process. Online information sessions will run from 23–26 June 2025 to demonstrate system functionality. To register for a session, please click on the link provided:
The department will send a further advice notice once the reports are available for use.
To support the release of the reporting, help cards and training material have been developed and can be accessed via LearnHub.
More information about the industry reporting in the Biosecurity Portal can be found on the department's website.
More information about the STEPS program can be found on the department's website. Read more HERE.

Illegal Logging E-Update 53 – Reform Progress and Global Intelligence
The June edition confirms the removal of the Community Protection Question (CPQ) from the Integrated Cargo System and outlines the upcoming implementation of e-declarations for timber imports. It also previews the 2025 Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum in Macao and highlights international enforcement activity, including seizures and arrests across Brazil, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Read more HERE.

Phytosanitary Certificate Update – China Plant Exports
DAFF has updated the phytosanitary certificate template for horticulture and grain exports to China. All new Request for Permits (RFPs) from 11 June 2025 must use the revised template. Older RFPs (created 1 Apr–10 Jun) will be auto-updated by DAFF if still active. Exporters using outdated templates will receive error messages in the EXDOC system. Read more HERE.

EU Deforestation Regulation – Exporter Requirements Outlined
The EU's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will apply from 30 Dec 2025 for large EU importers, requiring due diligence on cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, wood and related products. Australia has been classified as low risk, allowing simplified procedures—but exporters must still provide geolocation and land-use data. Failure to comply may lead to consignments being rejected at EU borders. DAFF recommends all affected exporters familiarise themselves with the EUDR obligations and prepare to support their EU partners with the required information. Read more HERE.

Agvet Grants Support Pineapple, Prawn and Peanut Producers
DAFF has awarded $2 million in Round 10 Agvet grants to help producers of pineapples, prawns, peanuts and other commodities access safe and effective agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals. Eleven grants were approved to address priority pest and disease challenges identified in collaboration with RDCs and industry. DAFF encourages producers to engage with their industry groups to help shape future rounds and chemical access priorities. Read more HERE.

Saudi Arabia – Palletisation Now Required for Dairy and Seafood Exports
Saudi authorities have introduced new palletisation requirements for container-based shipments of milk, milk products, fish, and fish products. Effective from 1 June 2025, this will be phased in over 12 months and become mandatory thereafter. The change aims to improve port logistics and reduce cargo damage. Exporters are urged to work with importers to ensure compliance, as penalties will apply for non-conforming consignments.
Milk and Milk Products – Read more HERE.
Fish and Fish Products – Read more HERE.

Three Chiefs June Newsletter – Key Updates Across Australia's Biosecurity Fronts
The June edition highlights Australia's international animal health engagement, the creation of a Veterinary Workforce Data Taskforce, and national efforts to prepare for avian influenza. On the plant side, it covers updates to the National Priority Plant Pest list, diagnostic lab collaboration, and Australia's role at CPM-19 in Rome. Environmental biosecurity updates include First Nations leadership initiatives, the rising feral deer threat, and exotic disease risks like white-nose syndrome in bats. Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

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

16 June Report LOGIN REQUIRED

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:

Nil recent reviews or suspensions for this week

Notices:

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

- Exports:
13 June 2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-13: Milk and Milk Products: Saudi Arabia: New palletisation requirements
13 June 2025 : DAFF - MAA 2025-04: Fish and Fish products: Saudi Arabia: New palletisation requirements
12 June 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-31: Plant Exports – Export systems expected maintenance outage
12 June 2025 : DAFF - Pineapples, prawns and peanuts: agvet grant recipients
11 June 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-30: Plant Exports – European Union Deforestation Regulation
11 June 2025 : DAFF - IAN 2025-29: Plant Exports – Updates to phytosanitary certificate template for China
11 June 2025 : DAFF - Illegal Logging E-Update 53: June 2025
11 June 2025 : DAFF - Three Chiefs Newsletter June 2025
11 June 2025 : FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2025/23 - sponsored by Victoria International Container Terminal

- Imports:

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 2025/23 - sponsored by Fintran