10 July 2017
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers and customs brokers associated with the importation of frozen in vitro produced bovine embryos from the United States, and the Australian ruminant germplasm industry.
What has changed?
- The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has completed a biosecurity risk review for the importation of in vitro produced bovine embryos from Canada and the United States. As a result of the review, frozen in vitro produced bovine embryos can now be imported into Australia from the United States subject to compliance with the applicable new biosecurity import conditions.
- The review was based on the current biosecurity import conditions for the importation of frozen in vivo produced bovine embryos from the United States and Canada. Stakeholders were consulted during the review process.
- The department and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture agreed on the bilateral animal health certificate for trade on 9 June 2017. A health certificate is currently being negotiated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
- Prior to the importation of frozen in vitro produced bovine embryos from the United States into Australia, a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is required.
Contact information
If you require further information please email 1800 900 090 or email Imports.
Biosecurity import conditions are available on the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON).