Date of Issue: 9 January 2017
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Export Dairy Establishments, Industry bodies - DA, AFGC, ADPF, AHBIC, Licensed exporters
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources - Central and Regional offices, ATMs and FOMs
Affected Markets: Kuwait & Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Further information: Please contact Exports if you have queries.
This Market Access Advice is further to MAA1604 circulated on 14 November 2016 and MAA1607 circulated on 24 November 2016 regarding possible changes to export certification requirements for Kuwait.
Kuwait previously advised of an intention to implement new export certification requirements in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Guide for the Control of Imported Foods (the Guide) by 15 December 2016.
Further to meetings with Kuwaiti officials, Kuwait Municipality has released a circular advising that implementation of the new certification requirements will not begin until 1 April 2017 and suggests there will be a transitional period until 1 October 2017. The department is aware Saudi Arabia has also provided a formal notification though the World Trade Organisation which has advised of a similar implementation timeline.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources continues to seek the earliest opportunity to progress negotiations on new certification, which address the Guide’s requirements. The department is also seeking confirmation that any transition arrangement will ensure existing certification continues to be accepted by Kuwaiti and Saudi officials until revised certification can be agreed and implemented.
The department will provide an update to this market access advice as soon as further information is available. This advice has been prepared in consultation with industry.
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.