Trade relations between Cyprus and Australia have entered an emergency state after Canberra removed the island from its list of countries free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Australian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced the decision on 19 December 2025, following reports of an FMD outbreak in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Under strict biosecurity protocols, Australia has applied the measures retroactively to 8 November 2025, a move that affects dozens of importers and local producers.
Halloumi trade impacted
The decision places €15 million in annual halloumi exports at risk. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the island sends approximately 2,000 tonnes of the cheese to Australia each year. Under the new restrictions, halloumi imports are now prohibited unless the product has been matured for at least 30 days or meets specific acidity levels of pH 6 or below.
The ban extends to all dairy products manufactured in or exported from Cyprus, alongside a total block on meat and animal derivatives from cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. These restrictions cover personal items brought in by passengers or sent through the post, as well as reproductive genetic material, pet food, and laboratory kits containing animal tissues or fluids.
For goods currently in transit, Australian authorities confirmed that treatment will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Products proven to have been manufactured before 8 November may be released after inspection. However, any items produced or collected after that date will be denied entry and must be either re-exported or destroyed.
Exemptions remain in place for solid chocolate and products containing less than 10% dairy ingredients. Certain matured cheeses may also be permitted provided they meet specific health and safety criteria.