FTA / APSA Biosecurity Report 2025/27 - sponsored by Freight Mart International

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:

• New Self-Service Report for Approved Arrangement Class 19 Now Available
  A new self-service industry report on the usage and uptake of Approved Arrangement Class 19.2 is now live on the Biosecurity Portal.
  Key points:
  • Provides details on entries lodged under Class 19.2.
  • Shows entries that were eligible but assessed by the department instead.
  • Includes AEP (Automatic Entry Processing) verification data and outcomes.
  • Aims to reduce enquiries, improve visibility of consignment data, and help industry monitor biosecurity risks.
  • Part of the Simplified Targeting and Enhanced Processing Systems (STEPS) Program to support faster, more integrated clearance.
  More information:
  The new reports can be accessed via the Biosecurity Portal under the 'Industry Reporting' tile by eligible myID users. Access is managed by Biosecurity Portal Administrators within each organisation. Supporting help cards and training materials are available through LearnHub.
  Further details on industry reporting in the Biosecurity Portal are available here, and information on the STEPS Program can be found here. For any questions, please contact STEPS@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• Update: SAC Cost Recovery Charge Webpage Refreshed
  DAFF has updated its Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) cost recovery charge webpage and fact sheets, incorporating industry feedback after the first two billing cycles.
• Key points:
  * Updates help clarify how the SAC charge works.
  * Reflects indexation of the SAC charge from 1 July 2025.
  * Applies to customs brokers, importers, self-reporting importers, and freight forwarders handling goods valued at AUD $1,000 or less.
  For details, see the updated SAC cost recovery webpage. Questions are also welcome via SACCostRecovery@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• Illegal Logging — July 2025 E-Update
  Over four months into Australia's updated illegal logging laws (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and Rules 2024), the department has outlined common compliance issues as part of its ongoing education efforts.
  Key issues identified: 
  * Due Diligence System (DDS): Some importers have no DDS or rely on inadequate systems (e.g., Chain of Custody manuals). A compliant DDS must be in place before importing or processing.
  * Information gathering: Businesses are failing to collect full required information for each import or raw log processing, or relying on outdated statements.
  * Risk assessments: Many assessments don't cover specific products or all prescribed risk factors — supplier-level assessments alone aren't enough.
  * Certification misuse: Certification can't be assumed to cover legality. Common errors include missing database verification, incomplete documents, and assuming supplier certification extends to all products.
  * Exception misunderstandings: Risk assessment exceptions are often misapplied — they don't exempt information gathering or partial product checks.
  * Document integrity: Creating or altering documents after the fact breaches the law and may result in criminal penalties.
  DAFF urges all importers and processors to review systems and practices, ensure all records are current and robust, and avoid relying solely on certification.
  For resources and help, visit the Illegal Logging Compliance webpage, email illegallogging@aff.gov.au, or call 1800 657 313. Read the update in full HERE.

• Consultation: Proposed Biosecurity Measures for Christmas Island & Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  DAFF is seeking feedback on potential new biosecurity measures for importing live animals and animal products into Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
  Key points:
  • The proposed changes aim to balance biosecurity risk management with the islands' heavy reliance on imports, especially food.
  • Measures under consideration include:
  – Changing requirements for beef, lamb, and goat meat (noting no livestock on the islands).
  – Maintaining current measures for chicken meat, eggs, feathers, etc., to protect significant bird populations.
  – Changing requirements for aquatic animals (e.g., prawns) given the extensive marine environment.
  • Potential measures are now published in BICON for feedback and are for consultation purposes only — they cannot currently be used to import goods.
  • Public consultation closes at 5:00 pm (AEST) on Tuesday 26 August 2025 via the Have Your Say platform.
  More information:
  View the potential measures in BICON under 'Advanced Search' (select either 'Christmas Island' or 'Cocos Islands'). Further details are available on the Indian Ocean Territories page. For questions, email iot@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• New High-Tech Imaging Tools Boost Pest Detection
  Thanks to the Modern Technologies and Diagnostic Tools (MTDT) reform program, DAFF border labs now have cutting-edge imaging equipment — including high-resolution cameras and advanced software — to capture detailed, true-colour images of even the tiniest pests.
  Key benefits:
  * Enables faster and more accurate pest identification.
  * Enhances the department's reference collection with clearer images and links to DNA and protein data.
  * Supports quicker clearance of imported goods and stronger biosecurity protection.
  * Upgrades images in the national Pest and Disease Image Library (PaDIL), used globally for pest and disease identification.
  For more information, visit PaDIL or email askMTDT@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

• Reminder to Have Your Say: New Policy for Scheduling Cargo Inspections
  DAFF has released a draft policy aiming to modernise and streamline scheduling arrangements for biosecurity and imported food inspections, with consultation open from 1 July to 8 August 2025.
  The draft policy introduces three appointment types — standard, group, and recurring — and proposes replacing manned depots and other permanent booking arrangements with a more flexible recurring appointment system. 
  DAFF is seeking industry feedback on current scheduling experiences, use of the Biosecurity Portal, and views on the proposed options. To help shape the final policy, stakeholders are strongly encouraged to contribute.
  Melbourne and Sydney sessions have now concluded — Brisbane and online sessions are still available, so don't miss your chance to contribute and help shape the final policy:
           > Brisbane: Thursday, 17 July 2025, 10:00–11:30 (Novotel Brisbane Airport)
           > Online (Teams Live): Monday, 21 July 2025, 14:00–15:00 AEST and Tuesday, 23 July 2025, 15:00–16:00 AEST
  Registration for the sessions can be made HERE. Read more HERE.

• Reminder: COLS Billing Changes for Imported Cargo Documentation
  We remind members — following reports that some have already been impacted — that as outlined in IIAN 204-2025 - from 1 July 2025, all non-account clients lodging cargo documentation through the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) must have the full A$40 document assessment fee available at the time of lodgement.
  • Brokers who lodged FIDs pre-July with $39 must pay an extra $1 in ICS or ensure $40 is paid in COLS when submitting documents post-July.
  • Applies to all importers and customs brokers using COLS for biosecurity assessments.
• Questions can be addressed to BioCRIS@aff.gov.au or the DAFF Accounts Receivable Helpdesk. Read more HERE.

• Tasmanian Apple & Pear Export Applications Now Open
  Applications are now open for Tasmanian farms, packhouses, cold stores, and treatment facilities to gain accreditation for exporting apples and pears to protocol markets in the 2025–26 season.Read more HERE.
  Key points:
  Eligible markets: Apples — China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand; Pears — Thailand.
  Deadlines: Applications close 5:00 pm (AEST), 8 August 2025. No late submissions accepted.
  New protocol: China now has a new workplan replacing the Tasmanian-only protocol.
  PGSM option: Accredited packhouses can apply to operate under the Packhouse Grower Supplier Model (PGSM).
  Crop monitors: Must complete training and assessment by 15 August 2025.
  Treatment facilities: Those wanting to register for methyl bromide fumigation for apples to Japan must contact DAFF immediately.
  All entities must ensure details are accurate and be prepared for audits. For applications and further information, visit the Fruit Growers Tasmania export registration page or contact the Horticulture Export Program. 

• Australia Regains HPAI-Free Status — Egg and Poultry Exports Update
  Australia has officially self-declared freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) as of 13 June 2025, now recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
  Key points:
  * Certification for avian products, including eggs, is gradually resuming, but some importing countries still maintain restrictions.
  * Exporters must confirm country-specific requirements and ensure all sourcing and certification provisions are strictly met.
  * Some markets (e.g., PNG, Singapore, USA) now allow exports of eligible products produced after set dates — details vary by market.
  * Exporters must include specific sourcing declarations in applications and maintain detailed records to support compliance.
  Action for exporters:
  Check the latest Micor updates, review attachments for sourcing and control area details, and liaise closely with importers. For help with detained consignments or certification, contact exportstandards@aff.gov.au. Read more HERE.

Cargo Operations Snapshot

2025-2026 FTA Online CPD & CBC Training Packages

FTA/APSA Launch New Certificate of Origin Service

FTA and APSA members also receive an exclusive 10% discount - to access the service, register via the dedicated landing page available HERE.

Media Release available HERE

For further information, please contact us at support@FTAlliance.com.au

• Meeting 100 2025 – Communique 
• Meeting 100 2025 – 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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