18 July 2016
Purpose
This is an urgent reminder to Australian exporters to complete the web-based registration process if they are a foreign food facility exporting processed food, plant products including grains and horticultural products, food additives or food packages/containers/equipment to the Republic of Korea (Korea). Registration must be received at least seven days before an import declaration is raised and registrations are valid for two years.
The Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management indicate the following as foreign food facilities:
- Grains - grain storage, grain packaging (registered export establishment), etc.
- Processed products - breakfast cereals such as oat bran, maize grits, flour, barley malted, etc., it includes processing, manufacturing, storing and packaging facilities.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables - growers, packaging and treatment facilities (registered export establishments), etc.
Background
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has been notified that Korea’s Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management (the Act) came into effect on 4 February 2016.
The department published an Industry Advice Notice on 10 June 2016 to announce the mandatory registration process that has come into effect with the change in legislation. Please see this publication for further information.
Key points
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) may conduct an on-site inspection of a foreign food facility where the MFDS deems that it is necessary. Inspections will be arranged through prior consultation with the government in the exporting country.
- Where the government of an exporting country or a foreign food facility refuses an on-site inspection; or a hazard was found during an on-site inspection, the Minister for the MFDS may suspend the importation of food of that foreign food facility.
- Where a foreign food facility has been suspended by the MFDS - the government of an exporting country (or the foreign food facility/or the importer of foreign food) can propose a solution to the identified food safety issue. Providing that the solution is acceptable, the Minister for MFDS may revoke the suspension. In such cases, the Minister may request an on-site inspection to ensure the hazard has been reduced to an acceptable level.
Contact Information
If you require further information, please contact the Grain and Seed Export Program on 02 6272 3229 or email Grain Export or the Horticulture Exports Program at Horticulture Exports Program ACT.
Dr Chris Parker
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch