DAFF - IFN 03-25: Improving access to imported food safety requirements

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to inform members of the release of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Imported Food Notice (IFN) 03-25, advising that from 14 June 2025, the food safety requirements for food imported for sale in Australia will be incorporated into the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system. This development is aimed at streamlining border compliance by enabling import industry participants to access food safety requirements via the same BICON platform used for biosecurity import conditions. Key Changes: BICON will now include imported food safety cases, searchable by goods description, tariff code, or scientific name. Search results will appear under separate tabs for biosecurity conditions and food safety requirements. Importers must meet biosecurity conditions before food safety requirements apply. BICON Food Safety Case Inclusions: Pre-import requirements, including documentation. On-arrival requirements, including potential analytical tests and guidance on laboratory nomination. Post-inspection information once imported food inspections are complete. Anticipated Benefits: A single source of information - for all imported food safety requirements and biosecurity import conditions. Fewer delays at the border - due to greater clarity of the border requirements that apply to food imports. BICON now specifies what imported food documents are required prior to arrival and what happens at an imported food inspection, reducing requests for missing documentation and confusion about processes. Reminders on how to prepare for an imported food inspection – BICON imported food cases include clear advice about the documentation required at inspections and how importers can ensure goods are ready for inspection, resulting in fewer cancelled inspections. Improved delivery of service – BICON will provide department officers with a single source of information across Australia, resulting in a more consistent, efficient and streamlined clearance process for food importers and trading partners. DAFF has advised that a follow-up notice will be published once the BICON changes go live. Full details of Imported Food Notice (IFN) 03-25 is available HERE.

Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA Copyright © 2025 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.