23 July 2015
Date of Issue: 23 July 2015
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Seafood
Department of Agriculture - Central and Regional offices
Affected Markets: China
Further information: Email Exports
The Department of Agriculture (the department) provides the following Market Access Advice (MAA) in relation to seafood exports to China.
The department has recently become aware that some exporters are experiencing issues in exporting seafood to China. Issues are being experienced due to China’s ‘eligible species list’ not including Australia as an approved country for particular species, or the list including common/scientific names which differ from those used by Australia in accordance with the Australian Fish Names Standard.
China’s list was first brought to the department’s attention in early 2014 and, subsequently, the department advised all exporters to verify import eligibility of specific export product with their importers prior to export, refer to Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) – 1.2 Access for products for human consumption).
The department understands that China may have recently updated the approved list and these amendments are resulting in an interruption to trade in some species.
The department has been working with Chinese authorities to ascertain the process of amending the list. Chinese authorities have advised that this list is still under development and may be updated based on evidence of previous trade history. Where trade history exists, Chinese authorities have advised the following process must be followed to have the list amended:
- Chinese importers are required to provide their local Chinese Inspection and Quarantine Service (CIQ) with information to support the requested amendment to the list, including the Latin name of the fish species and records of previous trade
- CIQ’s will then relay this information to China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ)
- AQSIQ will review the information provided by the CIQ and amend the list accordingly.
Exporters whose importers encounter difficulties in relaying this information through their local CIQ are asked to contact the department at the above email address with details of the CIQ and, if possible, name and contact details of the Chinese official they are liaising with.
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.