28 June 2021
Download
If you have difficulty accessing these files, please visit web accessibility.
Online version
New import conditions will apply from 28 July 2021 for various non-salmonid finfish species for human consumption and for use as baitfish.
From this date, additional species of non-salmonid finfish imported for human consumption and baitfish will need to comply with the risk management measures set out in the 1999 Import risk analysis on non-viable salmonids and non-salmonid marine finfish to be allowed entry into Australia.
We will continue to accept non-salmonid marine finfish species for human consumption and baitfish products under the existing import conditions in the interim period, until 28 July 2021.
An alert to the new conditions will be published in BICON. Importers are encouraged to monitor this page to access new information on import requirements.
On 28 July 2021 the risk species lists for non-salmonid marine finfish for human consumption and baitfish (risk species lists) will be updated on BICON, and the risk management approaches set out in 1999 Import risk analysis on non-viable salmonids and non-salmonid marine finfish (1999 IRA) will apply to the species added to each list.
Why are the changes needed?
The changes are necessary to ensure our import conditions are consistent with the outcomes of the 1999 IRA for the effective management of imported marine finfish for human consumption and baitfish.
Why is the final update different to the draft update?
We amended the draft update (ABA 2020 - A07) in response to stakeholder comments:
- Epinephelus spp. and Acanthopagrus spp. were removed from the list of finfish to be added to the high-risk list. This was because the evidence of susceptibility considered for these genera, was not strong enough for them to be listed on the high-risk list as susceptible to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), based on the 'Procedure to determine finfish susceptibility' (Appendix A).
- Oxyeleotris spp.were removed from the list of finfish to be added to the medium risk list as susceptible to a causative agent of red sea bream iridoviral disease (RSIVD). This is because Oxyeleotris spp.are only found in freshwater and brackish environments and therefore do not definitively fall into the scope of the 1999 IRA, nor this update.
- Acanthopagrus spp.,Leiognathus spp.,Mugil spp., Rhabosargus spp. and Sciaenops spp. have been added to the medium-risk list.These genera where added in response to information that adequately demonstrated the susceptibility of these species to a causative agent of RSIVD.
The procedure used to determine finfish susceptility for the update is outlined In Appendix A.
The updated risk species lists and the import conditions that apply to the species on each list are in Appendix B.
The evidence supporting the amendments that have been made since the draft update was published (ABA 2020 A07), is provided in Appendix C.
Consultation
In November 2020, stakeholders were invited to comment on a draft update to the risk species lists and draft procedure to determine finfish susceptibility (Biosecurity Advice 2020/A07 and WTO SPS notification G/SPS/N/AUS/509). We considered all comments in finalising the revised update and procedure.
We will contact existing import permit holders individually about implementing the new conditions.
Dr Peter Finnin
Assistant Secretary
Animal Biosecurity
Email aquaticbiosecurity@awe.gov.au