Trade relations between Cyprus and Australia in the food sector are in trouble. This follows Australia’s decision to remove Cyprus from the list of countries free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The announcement came on December 19, 2025, after reports of a disease outbreak in the Unrecognized Republic of Northern Cyprus. Australia is enforcing strict biosecurity measures retroactively from November 8, 2025, impacting many importers and producers.
Since Friday evening, a four-member team from the EU Veterinary Emergency Team of the European Commission has been on the island. They arrived after an urgent request from the Veterinary Services of the Republic to check the situation in the Unrecognized Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The impact on Cypriot exports is expected to be serious as the list of banned products or those under strict control is long. According to official circular (417-2025), the measures affect:
Halloumi: Importing halloumi that hasn’t matured for at least 30 days or doesn’t meet certain acidity levels (pH 6 and below) is banned.
Data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus shows that annual halloumi exports to Australia are about 2,000 tons, worth €15 million.
Dairy products: All products made or exported from Cyprus.
Meat and animal derivatives: A complete ban on products from cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. This includes personal dairy items brought in by travelers or sent by mail, as well as sheep and goat intestines for sausages.
Genetic material and animal feed: Suspension of imports for reproductive material and veterinary medicines.
Pet food: Pet foods and animal feeds that contain materials from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, or camels from animals in Cyprus.
Laboratory products containing animal fluids: Laboratory products with fluids and tissues from deer and camels (like test kits, animal fluids and tissues, culture media, environmental samples, and other lab materials) from Cyprus.
Status of shipments en route
The Australian government stated that products currently in trade will be reviewed case by case.
Before November 8: Goods shown to have been produced before this date may be released after inspection.
After November 8: Products made or collected after this date will be banned from entering the country and will need to be re-exported or destroyed.
