MAA 2020-20: China: Fish: Request for amendment of health certification for the import of (non-viable) aquatic products into China (Updated)

Date of issue: 9 December 2020

Date of effect: Immediate

Reference Number: MAA2020-20

Attention:

• Industries—Industry bodies - Seafood Export Consultative Committee
• Export establishments
• Licensed exporters
• Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment —Central and Regional offices

Purpose

MAA provides information to export registered seafood establishments on the request for amendment of health certification for the import of non-viable aquatic products into China as notified by GACC.

Summary of key points

• On 16 November 2020, the department received an official letter from GACC advising that current health certification for the import of non-viable aquatic products into China will need to be amended and approved by GACC, by 1 January 2021.
  • The department understands that the term ‘aquatic products’ as defined by China refers to non-viable (dead) seafood. Due to this, existing health certification for the export of live aquatic animals (live seafood) to China will not be affected.
• This request has been made to a large number of countries to further ensure the safety and traceability of imported non-viable aquatic products into China.
• The certificate template provided by GACC contains new formatting and new fields for information specific to the supply chain associated with the seafood on the certificate.
• These changes are significant and will require a new certificate to be developed. Collection of additional information from industry may also be required.  
  • The department notes that as part of this, GACC is seeking details of catcher vessels, transport vessels and/or aquaculture farms within the supply chain of each consignment.  
• GACC has advised that from 1 January 2021, only products accompanied by an approved health certificate will be accepted for export to China.
• As the new certificate cannot be developed, negotiated and submitted for approval by China prior to 1 January 2021, the department notes that from this date, trade in non-viable aquatic products to China will be uncertain. Product may be detained at the border.
• The department is prioritising work to seek an extension to the current deadline to minimise impacts to current trade in non-viable seafood products.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment encourages all exporters of all seafood to work with their importer to ensure you are informed of current border inspection activity and that product meets the current importing country requirements.

Further information

Contact exportstandards@awe.gov.au if you have any queries.

The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.