Date of Issue: 30 November 2016
Date of Effect: Immediately
Attention:
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources - Central and regional offices
Affected Markets: United Arab Emirates
Further information: Please contact Exports if you have queries.
This Market Access Advice updates MAA 2014-10 issued on 16 May 2014 which advised of new halal requirements for aquaculture seafood exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Following representations by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has revised the halal requirements for farmed seafood products (excluding bivalve molluscs) exported to the UAE.
As a result of this amendment, Australian farmed aquatic animals that are fed feeds which contain animal protein, excluding porcine (pig) protein, are now eligible for export to the UAE.
From 1 November 2016, Australian farmed seafood exported to the UAE must be accompanied by a halal certificate issued by a halal certification body approved by the UAE, which contains the following revised statement:
‘the fish products of aquaculture origin have only been fed on feed material free from porcine animal protein.’
To export bivalve molluscs, use an FX46 certificate with endorsement 5116. This endorsement states:
The bivalve molluscs were not fed any manufactured feeds.
Please note that the department is not responsible for issuing halal certification. These documents can only be issued by an approved halal certification body. Exporters should ensure that the halal certifying body they choose to use has been approved by UAE authorities to certify seafood products. For reference, a list of certification bodies currently approved to provide halal certification for red meat can be found on the department’s website.
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.