Filenews 22 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Cyprus-Australia trade relations in the food sector are being put under a state of emergency, following the official decision of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to remove Cyprus from the list of countries free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
The decision, which was announced on December 19, 2025, comes as a direct result of reports of an outbreak of the disease in the occupied territories. Australia, implementing strict biosecurity protocols, activated retroactive effect of the measures from November 8, 2025, affecting dozens of importers and producers.
Since Friday evening, a four-member team of the EU Veterinary Emergency Team of the European Commission has been on the island. The team of experts arrived at the urgent request of the Veterinary Services of the Republic to assess the extent of the problem in the occupied territories.
The blow to Cypriot exports is expected to be strong, as the list of products that are banned or put under strict control is long. According to the official circular (417-2025), the measures affect:
Halloumi: It is forbidden to import halloumi that has not been aged for at least 30 days or does not meet certain acidity levels (pH 6 and below).
Based on the data kept by the Cyprus Statistical Service, the quantities of halloumi exported to Australia annually amount to approximately 2000 tons whose value is estimated at €15 million.
Dairy products: All products manufactured or exported from Cyprus.
Meat and animal derivatives: Complete exclusion for products from cattle, sheep, pigs and deer. It includes personal dairy products imported as passengers' personal items or sent by mail, as well as sheep and goat intestines for sausages.
Genetic material and feed: Suspension of imports for reproductive material and veterinary therapeutics.
Pet food. Pet food and feed containing or derived from materials of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer or camels derived from animals residing in Cyprus.
Laboratory products containing animal fluids. Laboratory products containing deer and camel fluids and tissues (including but not limited to test kits, animal fluids and tissues, culture media, environmental samples and other laboratory materials) originating in Cyprus.
What about cargo on the way?
The Australian government has made it clear that products currently on the market will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Before 8 November: Goods proven to have been produced before this date may be released, after inspection.
After November 8: Products produced or collected after the critical date will be prohibited from entering the country and will be led either to re-export or destruction.
Exceptions: Please note that the ban does not affect solid chocolate, mature cheeses (under certain conditions) and products containing less than 10% dairy ingredients.
