Date of Issue: 2 November 2012
Date of Effect: Immediate
Country: Vietnam
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has been requested by Vietnam's National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, to inform Australian seafood exporters that only certain live seafood species are eligible to be imported into Vietnam for human consumption. Eligible species are listed in Appendix 3 of Circular 88/2011/TT-BNNPTNT published by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The DAFF health certificate negotiated with Vietnam for seafood relates to food safety of seafood entering Vietnam. This certificate is used for a broader range of live seafood species than those species permitted for live export as per Appendix 3.
As there is only one certificate for all seafood to Vietnam, and Vietnam has not revoked or advised of any changes to the certificate, it remains possible for certificates to be issued for those live species not currently on the list. Exporters who export live seafood species that are not approved by Vietnam, do so at their own risk and DAFF will be unable to facilitate the release of any detained consignments.
Exporters are advised that, for all eligible species, Vietnam’s Circular 25 requirements may also apply. Please refer to MAA12/03.
If you have any questions regarding the new requirements, please contact the Export Standards Branch on +61 02 6272 3064 or e-mail Alexandra Mclaran.
Alexandra McLaran
Export Standards Branch
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.