Date of Issue: 2 October 2012
Date of Effect: Immediate
Country: Vietnam
DAFF has recently become aware that Vietnam Government has promulgated a new high-level multi-Ministry directive (Directive 23), which is intended to strengthen the regulatory management of products intended for temporary import and re-export. Directive 23 comes into effect for consignments arriving in Vietnam from 30 September 2012.
For frozen foods including animal offal, animal by-products, poultry offal, and poultry by-products, Directive 23 suspends the following activities within Vietnam: temporary importation and re-export; transportation from border-gate to border-gate; and storage in bonded warehouses.
For other frozen foods including animal meat, poultry meat, seafood and aquatic products, where the product is intended for temporary importation and re-export, Directive 23 contain specific requirements for importers, such as obtaining a licence from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
DAFF advises that as Australian livestock products for export to Vietnam are certified with the final destination as Vietnam, the suspension of trade in products for temporary importation and re-export is unlikely to directly affect Australian exporters. DAFF notes that Australia currently does not issue health certification for Australian livestock products intended for temporary importation and re-export from Vietnam.
DAFF is unclear on the requirements of Directive 23 in the suspension of storage of goods in bonded warehouses, and is urgently obtaining clarification of the circumstances and products to which this suspension would apply.
DAFF understands that imported raw materials for further processing in Vietnam and subsequent export are excluded from the scope of the Directive 23, and are seeking urgent confirmation from Vietnamese authorities.
Industry will be advised of any developments.
MICoR will be updated to incorporate the market access requirements for the EU as outlined above.
Alexandra McLaran
Export Standards Branch