29 May 2017
Species: All livestock
Country: All countries
For information:
- Livestock Exporters
- LiveCorp
- Department Officers
Purpose
To advise exporters of the department’s policy relating to infrequently used Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) supply chains and facilities.
For the purpose of this EAN, infrequently used ESCAS supply chains and facilities are defined as those unable to meet routine Independent Performance Audit Report (IPAR) requirements due to intermittent processing of Australian livestock.
Background
There are ESCAS supply chains and facilities that do not process Australian livestock for extended periods of time. As a result, these supply chains and facilities may not contain Australian livestock during an IPAR reporting period. The department understands that exporters may wish to apply for an IPAR exemption in these circumstances.
There are also temporary ESCAS facilities that only open for special events, for example religious festivals, which may also be eligible for IPAR exemptions.
Instructions
Exporters may request an IPAR exemption for infrequently used ESCAS supply chains and facilities. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The following criteria must be met for the request to be considered:
- The request must be received by the department in advance of the due date for the IPAR reporting period for which the exemption applies.
- There must be a valid reason why the IPAR cannot be completed. Exporters must demonstrate there are no Australian livestock in the supply chain and/ or facilities during the relevant IPAR reporting period and an IPAR cannot be conducted using local animals in the absence of Australian livestock.
- The most recent IPAR or Initial Audit must have been completed within the previous 12 months and demonstrate compliance with ESCAS standards. If facilities have not been audited within the previous 12 months, they will be ineligible for an IPAR exemption and will be suspended or removed from the supply chain.
- There are no significant changes in management, operations or infrastructure of relevant facilities.
- Exporters must demonstrate they maintain regular contact with supply chain partners and promote in-market training and engagement.
The department will also consider the compliance history of the exporter and market concerned when considering IPAR exemption applications.
Leah Wells
Live Animal Export Branch
Exports Division
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
Contact Officer: Amy Shergold
Phone: 02 6272 4581
Email: Live Stock Exports