12 July 2017
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers of (certain/specific) uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat products and associated industry participants and retailers.
This notice replaces industry advice notice 65-2017.
What has changed?
- The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has confirmed enhanced import conditions following the end of the import suspension on uncooked prawns on 6 July 2017 – more detail is available at Biosecurity advice 2017-12.
- As of 12 July 2017, Competent Authorities (CA’s) from China and Bangladesh have provided written confirmation to the department that they can meet Australia’s enhanced import conditions.
- Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam previously provided written confirmation to the department that they could meet the enhanced import conditions from 7 July 2017.
From 7 July 2017, exporting countries must confirm that uncooked prawns, marinated prawns, and Australian prawns processed overseas in a non-Australian government audited supply chain have been tested and found to be free of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Yellow Head Virus (YHV). These prawns are subject to 100 per cent secure seals intact inspection on-arrival in Australia and must again test negative for WSSV and YHV at an Australian screening laboratory before they can be released from biosecurity control.
All previously imported product that has received a notice of direction, must test negative for WSSV at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory before it can be released on to the market. This is because it was not subject to the risk management measures that apply to future shipments.
Importers are responsible for ensuring that the conditions on the import permit are complied with before importing goods into Australia. This includes ensuring that there are relevant procedures in place for the exporting country to certify that the prawns are disease free and confirmation that a health certificate can be obtained.
The department is working closely with other trading partners, including Indonesia and India, to ensure safe trade can resume with these countries.
Further information
The department will provide further Import Industry Advice Notices once Competent Authorities confirm in writing that they can meet the enhanced import conditions.
Contact information
If you require further information please call 1800 900 090 or email Imports.
Biosecurity import conditions are available on the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON).