Germany Regains FMD-Free Status: Import Conditions Updated
As of 14 April 2025, Germany has been reinstated as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), following a successful containment of an outbreak in January 2025 . Consequently, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has updated its import conditions to reflect this change.
Key Dates and Import Guidelines
- Pre-14 November 2024: Goods containing or derived from FMD-susceptible species that were fully finished and/or exported from Germany before this date are eligible for import, provided all other conditions are met.
- 14 November 2024 – 14 April 2025: Imports of such goods sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany during this period remain restricted unless alternative risk management measures are in place.
- Post-14 April 2025: Goods sourced from and/or manufactured in Germany on or after this date may be imported, subject to compliance with all other import conditions.
Importers should consult their biosecurity import permits or refer to the Biosecurity (Conditionally Non-Prohibited Goods) Determination 2021 for specific import conditions.
Documentation Requirements
Biosecurity import permits will specify any evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the above conditions. Importers must ensure all documentation accurately reflects the sourcing and manufacturing dates of the goods in question.