20 October 2023
Attention
Importers of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products, and brokers acting on their behalf. Competent authorities in countries that export bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products to Australia.
Purpose
To provide notice of changes to the webpage for bivalves and bivalve mollusc products. This webpage now lists the countries currently negotiating certification for these foods.
Key points
- The webpage for bivalves and bivalve mollusc products has been updated with a list of countries that are currently negotiating certification for these foods.
- The webpage will be regularly updated as new applications are received and certification negotiations are progressed.
- From 9 November 2023, consignments of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products, excluding those that are both retorted and shelf stable, or dried (not semi-dried) may only be imported from a country that has negotiated, or is in the process of negotiating, a certification arrangement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
- Countries wanting to export or continue to export bivalve molluscs or bivalve mollusc products to Australia, must apply to DAFF for a government certification arrangement before 9 November 2023.
- Only the relevant national competent authority in the exporting country can apply for government certification arrangements.
- The above requirement does not apply to bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products imported from New Zealand.
Instructions
Competent authorities from countries that have not yet applied and want to continue exporting bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products to Australia need to submit an application to the department at ifis-certification@aff.gov.au before 9 November 2023.
Refer to the factsheet outlining the process to negotiate a foreign government certificate with DAFF. Queries can be sent to ifis-certification@aff.gov.au.
Background
Additional information can be found on Mandatory foreign government certification and Bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products.
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