Date of Issue: 23 March 2015
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Seafood
Department of Agriculture - Central and Regional offices
Affected Markets: China
Further information: Please contact Exports if you have any queries.
China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has published a draft copy of their ‘Administrative Measures for Inspection and Quarantine of Imported Aquatic Animals’ (the proposed Measures) on their website.
The department has assessed an unofficial translation of the document and understands the following key points:
- The intent of the Measures is to regulate the movement into and out of China of aquatic animal products and to ensure that a risk-based appropriate level of protection is applied in relation to animal diseases, parasites and pests. The measures would apply to all countries.
- China will conduct a risk analysis and supervision procedure assessment for any country sending a ‘product category’ to China for the first time. A retrospective review will be required for a country that is currently, or has previously, exported a particular ‘product category’. Based on these assessments, a decision will be made regarding the need to establish an export protocol or specific export health certification requirements. All inspection and quarantine will be based on bilateral agreements.
- AQSIQ will register and publish a list of all establishments approved to export to China. To become approved, the competent authority of the exporting country must make a recommendation and submit a comprehensive package of information for assessment by China. Chinese officials will then conduct a paper based verification process followed by an on-site audit (if required).
There is currently no guidance on the process of, or time frame for, implementation of the proposed Measures. Accordingly, the Department of Agriculture has requested further information from AQSIQ and will update industry when advice is received. The department hopes to work closely with China to ensure minimal impacts on the current trade in seafood and is seeking China’s continued acceptance of existing market access arrangements. Further information on existing arrangements can be found on the department’s Manual of Importing Country Requirements database.
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.