Date of Issue: 26 May 2015
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Export Establishments, Industry bodies
Department of Agriculture - Central and Regional offices, ATMs and FOMs, OPVs and Meat inspection staff, State Regulatory Authorities
Affected Markets: GCC – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE
Further information: Email Exports
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the commencement of a Guide for the Control of Imported Foods (the Guide). GCC member countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
The Guide outlines updated requirements for the importation of Australian agriculture, fisheries and food products including meat, poultry meat, dairy, fish, eggs and processed food. The Guide also includes new health certificates templates for these products.
The main changes under the Guide are to Australia’s existing certification, and would potentially affect both the formatting and attestations. However, the Guide also allows a flexible approach to the amendment of health certificates.
The Department of Agriculture understands that the GCC member countries may commence implementation of the Guide from 1 June 2015, although no definitive confirmation has been received. Informal advice appears to indicate that individual GCC member countries may be implementing the Guide at different times.
The department is closely working with GCC member countries to seek recognition for Australia’s existing certification system in meeting GCC requirements, and to minimise any potential disruptions to trade.
The department will provide further information to industry as soon as it is available. In the meantime, exporters are encouraged to work closely with their importers.
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.