29 April 2022
Species: All livestock by sea
Countries: All
Attention
- All stakeholders
Purpose
To advise that the department will recommence the deployment of independent observers (IO) on livestock vessels from 1 May 2022.
Key points
- From 1 May 2022, the department will begin deploying IOs on livestock vessels in accordance with the current policy outlined in EAN 2019-09 (now provided on the department’s website - Independent observers).
- The department continues to monitor international COVID-19 travel restrictions and will only deploy on routes where it is safe and practical to do so.
Instructions
- Exporters should ensure they are familiar with the department’s current policy on IO deployment (Independent observers) and prepare for an IO to accompany their livestock consignments in accordance with the policy.
- The department will directly contact exporters when an IO will be required for an upcoming voyage.
- Additional reporting will be required for some voyages. The department will advise exporters of requirements on a consignment-by-consignment basis.
Background
The department paused the deployment of IOs in March 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Overseas travel requirements have relaxed in recent months and continue to relax further. The Australian Government has downgraded its travel advice for many of the destination countries for livestock vessels.
More information on the travel advice is available at COVID-19 and travel.
Patrick Cass
A/g Director, Regulatory Performance
Live Animal Export Branch
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Phone: 02 6272 4581
Email livestockexp@awe.gov.au