Countries can export some foods which are classified as risk into Australia under a voluntary certification arrangement. This assures us that food safety risks are being managed.
Food covered by a recognised foreign government certificate in a voluntary arrangement is tested at a lower rate. This can reduce border clearance processes. If non-compliance is detected, inspection/ testing is increased.
Some food requires a mandatory government certification arrangement for import.
All biosecurity import conditions must be met before food safety requirements apply. Check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
How to apply
Read about how to apply and the assessment process.
Current certification arrangements
We have a voluntary arrangement with Canada and Thailand for certain seafood. If you have a certificate, it may reduce inspection and testing for:
- processed bivalve molluscs and bivalve mollusc products (Thailand only)
- cooked crustaceans
- histamine susceptible fish
- processed finfish ready to eat
Lodging a foreign government certificate
You must declare your certificate when you lodge a Full Import Declaration (FID). This will reduce your inspection and testing rate.
When lodging a FID, use the correct document code and certificate number. Look at the relevant food requirements to find the document code. You’ll find the certificate number on your foreign government certificate.
The certificate must meet our minimum documentary and import declaration requirements.
See lodging declarations and documentation for imported food.