4 September 2023
Attention
Importers of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products, and brokers acting on their behalf. Competent authorities in countries that export bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products to Australia.
Purpose
To provide notice of the changes to the import requirements for bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products.
Key points
- From 9 November 2023, consignments of bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products, excluding those that are both retorted and shelf stable, or dried (not semi-dried) must be accompanied by a recognised foreign government certificate on arrival.
- The above requirement does not apply to bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products imported from New Zealand.
- Countries wanting to export or continue exporting bivalve molluscs or bivalve mollusc products to Australia, must apply to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for a government certification arrangement before 9 November 2023.
- Only the relevant national competent authority in the exporting country can apply for government certification arrangements.
Instructions
Competent authorities from countries that have not yet applied and want to continue exporting bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products to Australia need to submit an application to the department at ifis-certification@aff.gov.au before 9 November 2023. Refer to the factsheet outlining the process to negotiate a foreign government certificate with DAFF. Queries can be sent to ifis-certification@aff.gov.au.
Background
Additional information can be found on Mandatory foreign government certification and Bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products.
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