Effective: 28 July 2025
Attention
Importers of fresh raw (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Canada and the United States of America (USA), and brokers acting on their behalf.
Purpose
To provide notice of changes to import requirements for fresh raw (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Canada and the USA.
Key points
- Biosecurity import conditions have been established and can be found in the 'Unretorted meat' case in BICON – Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions. An import permit must be obtained prior to importation.
- Food safety requirements can be found in the ‘Beef and beef products’ case in BICON – Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions.
- Consignments of fresh raw (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products from Canada and the USA must have a recognised government certificate. This certificate is mandatory to meet both biosecurity and food safety requirements. All consignments will be checked to verify the validity of the government certificate.
- All other consignments of beef and beef products from Canada and the USA will need to meet the certification requirements for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.
- All initial consignments of product from an overseas producer will be referred to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme for analytical testing. During inspection we will also conduct a label and visual assessment. Subsequent consignments will be referred at the rate of 5% for a label and visual assessment as well as analytical testing, provided the initial consignment passes assessment and testing.
Instructions
- Learn more about the requirements for fresh beef and beef products from Canada and the USA.
- Find out more about lodging declarations and documentation for imported food.
Further information
Import industry advice notice 245-2025 for fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products.
Subscribe for updates
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