May News Brief
Inside FJT's Branch at Piraeus
My first visit to Greece was unforgettable — not just for the beauty of Athens, but for the incredible welcome I received from our FJT branch in Piraeus. Domna Topouzoglou and Marianela Ferdoutsi opened their doors, shared their stories, and gave me a true taste of Greek hospitality and freight-forwarding grit.
Established just over a year ago, the Piraeus branch may be young — but it’s already making a strong impression. Domna is a powerhouse — a woman who’s navigated decades in a traditionally male-dominated industry with strength, resilience, and undeniable charisma. Many of her former contacts are now FJT clients, and her longstanding professional connection with our founder, Alessandro D’Orto, has helped set the branch up for success.
Marianela, in her late 20s, is just beginning her journey in freight forwarding — and FJT is her very first role in the industry. Bright, driven, and full of curiosity, she told Eleonora Savi during her second interview that she hopes to become “the next Domna” one day. Together, the two form a strong team — pairing fresh energy with decades of experience, and building something remarkable in the heart of Piraeus.
Strategically located near the Port of Piraeus, the branch is well positioned to tap into growing demand for agile, cross-border freight solutions in Southern Europe. Domna and Marianela spoke about the increased movement of goods through Greece as a key gateway to the Balkans and Eastern Europe. With trusted local knowledge and international backing, they’re helping FJT stay ahead of market trends — offering customers both speed and service with a personal touch.
The Piraeus branch plays an essential role in FJT Logistics’ global puzzle — not only expanding our reach in Southern Europe but doing so with heart, vision, and character. I’m grateful to have met the people behind these roles — they’re not just freight forwarders, they’re passionate individuals driven to make an impact and grow the team together. It’s their spirit that keeps FJT moving seamlessly across the world.
Ruza Zivkusic
Marketing
Biosecurity Updates
Paperless Phytosanitary Certificates Now Accepted from USA and Korea
Effective 16 April 2025, DAFF will begin accepting electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhytos) for grain and horticulture imports from the United States and the Republic of Korea via the IPPC ePhyto Hub.
This expands the paperless trade already in place with New Zealand – no paper certificates required if submitted properly. ePhytos can be viewed via the EVE system on the Biosecurity Portal. Read more HERE.
Egypt Drops Halal Certification Requirement for Imported Dairy
Effective immediately, Egypt has officially excluded imported milk and milk products from its halal certification requirements. This decision overturns earlier plans announced via the WTO in 2021 and removes the obligation for Australian dairy exports to Egypt to be halal-certified.
Exporters should still ensure compliance with Egypt’s broader import regulations and be aware that halal certification may still be needed for products marketed as halal. Micor will be updated accordingly. Read more HERE.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology - New Record of Fumigation and Treatment Certificate templates now available
Biosecurity have made minor changes to requirements for Methyl Bromide fumigation, effective 1st May 2025. Biosecurity have made changes to fumigation and treatment requirements under version 3.0 of the methodology section 12. Until 30 June 2025, Biosecurity will accept certification that follows BOTH version 2.0 and version 3.0.
Khapra Beetle Measures: Upcoming Changes to Conditions
for Offshore Treatments and Certification
From 28th May 2025 changes will be implemented for pre-border khapra beetle treatments and phytosanitary requirements:
- Revised wording for gas permeable packaging
- New NPPO supervision requirement and additional declaration
Optimizing Global Freight
FJT Market Update
The FJT Market Update for April is available now!
Understanding future trends enables for more strategic and cost-efficient decision-making.
Find out from our latest market insights:
- Market Outlook & Trends
- Demand & Market Rates
- Cancelled Sailings & Schedule Reliability
- Global Port Throughput Index (PTI)
- Regional Updates (Asia-Pacific & Europe)
