14 December 2020
Who does this notice affect?
All importers of dried finfish, including imports of whole fish and gilled and gutted fish.
Purpose of this notice
Imports of all dried, non-frozen finfish must be inspected prior to release from biosecurity control. This includes whole and partially processed dried, non-frozen fish.
Dried fish is at a high risk of live insect infestation and contamination because of the drying process. To verify freedom from live insect infestation and contamination, all non-frozen goods must be inspected. This is in line with conditions for other dried seafoods.
The department will direct all dried fish consignments for inspection upon arrival. This will include consignments of whole and partially processed dried fish, which also require import permits.
This BICON Case: Finfish for human consumption has been updated and all import permits for dried fish issued after this point in time will include the advice for dried non-frozen goods to be inspected upon arrival.
Note: consignments of dried fish have been routinely inspected for some time, however it has come to the department’s attention that some classes of dried fish are not being inspected as needed.
Further information
If you require further information please call 1800 900 090 or email Imports.