Date of issue: 23 March 2018
Date of effect: Immediate
Reference Number: MAA1803
Attention:
Industries—Industry bodies – Australian Food and Grocery Council, Australian Egg Corporation Limited
Export establishments
Licensed exporters
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources—Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To notify exporters that ports within the European Union (EU) are implementing European Commission (EC) Decision 2011/163/EU and Regulation 178/2002/EC restricting the import of composite products containing egg into the EU.
Access for composite products containing egg to the EU
In accordance with EU veterinary health inspection requirements Australia does not currently have access for eggs and egg products to the EU.
Some composite food products containing egg are exempt from veterinary inspection under EU regulations 2007/275/EC and 2016/1196/EU. Products that can meet the exemption requirements of these regulations include biscuits, bread, cakes, chocolate, confectionery, pasta and noodles.
It has been brought to the department’s attention that certain ports within the EU are implementing regulation 2011/163/EU and 178/2002/EC and restricting the entry of composite products containing egg for countries that do not have an EU recognised residue program for eggs. Australia does not currently have a recognised residue program.
The department is aware that Norway and the United Kingdom are implementing the requirement and consignments have been detained.
To maintain this important trade, the department is making representations to the EU to have Australia’s residue program for eggs recognised and will keep industry updated of any changes to Australia’s recognition status.
The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) will be updated to reflect these changes. Exporters are encouraged to work with their importers to determine if their product is eligible for export.
The information provided in this advice 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.
Further information
Contact Exports if you have any queries.