We have released an issues paper for the importation of natural casings for human consumption.
Steps to complete this risk analysis
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- start the risk analysis by reviewing the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish a final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).
Public Consultation
Public consultation on the issues paper for natural casings has now closed.
How you had your say
Public submissions for this paper closed on 14 March 2025, after a 105 day consultation period on our Have Your Say website.
Consultation Webinar
On 12 February 2025, the department hosted a webinar to discuss the issues paper and answer questions. Interested stakeholders were invited to attend the event and submit questions for response.
The webinar recording can be found below. You can also download a transcript of the presentation and question and answer session.
Watch webinar
You can also download a transcript of the presentation and question and answer session.
Download
The import risk review for natural casings – issues paper: Webinar transcript (PDF 178 KB)
The import risk review for natural casings – issues paper: Webinar transcript (DOCX 261 MB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
About the issues paper
This paper considers the existing import conditions for natural sausage casings for human consumption. These conditions were established under the 1999 import risk assessment Importation of Sausage Casings into Australia. The issues paper considers the effectiveness of the proposed alternative to country freedom that was put to the department by industry, noting that this closely reflects the current recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Download
Natural Casings Issues Paper (PDF 383 KB)
Natural Casings Issues Paper (DOCX 787 KB)
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Next steps
Submissions received during the public consultation and webinar will be considered to compose the draft report. The draft report will then be published for comment on our Have Your Say page. The final import risk review will provide the basis for an update of the department’s import conditions for natural casings.
Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
Contact us
For more information about this review email Animal Biosecurity.