Date of issue: 22 December 2023
Date of effect: 31 December 2023
Reference Number: MAA2023-47
Related MAAs: MAA 2022-39, MAA 2023-02
Attention
- Industries—Industry bodies – Dairy Australia – Infant Nutrition Council, Dairy Export Industry Consultative Committee, Australian Food and Grocery Council
- Dairy Export establishments
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Central and Regional offices
Purpose
This Market Access Advice (MAA) is to notify industry of new certification requirements that may impact exports of milk and milk products to India from 31 December 2023.
Summary of key points
- On 18 August 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) informed the department, through the World Trade Organisation (WTO), of new health certificate requirements impacting the export of milk and milk products into India.
- These new requirements propose changes to existing certification for milk and milk products exported from Australia to India and will be implemented on 31 December 2023.
- The department has been engaging with FSSAI since 18 August 2022 to negotiate mutually agreeable health certification for Australian milk and milk products exported to India.
- The department is urgently seeking an extension from FSSAI to allow existing certification for the export of milk and milk products to India to be accepted after 31 December 2023.
- Products exported to India on existing health certification may not be accepted at import inspection on or after 31 December 2023, and may be at elevated risk of being detained.
- The department may not be able to facilitate release of detained consignments impacted by the changes.
- The department recommends exporters exercise caution when exporting milk and milk products to India where product will arrive after 31 December 2023 until health certification requirements have been clarified.
- Further advice will be provided to industry once details of the new certification arrangements with India have been finalised.
Further information
Contact exportstandards@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice 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.