19 December 2018
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to remind all horticulture and grain exporters of their responsibility to ensure residues comply with importing country Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to maintain market access for themselves and Australian industry.
Summary of changes and key points
The department is aware of trading partners detecting residues in excess of their MRLs.
This is a timely reminder for industry to ensure they are aware of importing country MRLs, and have controls in place to ensure exports comply with those MRLs.
Non-compliance with importing country requirements not only results in rejections or increased inspection rates, it also reflects poorly on Australia’s horticulture and grain export industries.
Background
The department is aware that some trading partners are increasing their sampling rates and expanding the range of resides that can be detected.
For example, the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased the capacity of their government laboratory to test imports of fruit, vegetables and grains. Although FDA inspection and testing producers have not changed, their capacity and capability has increased.
Exporter responsibilities
- Ensure producers keep good records of chemical usage
- Ensure chemicals are used according to label instructions
- Be aware of importing countries MRLs
- Conduct testing of produce through private or National Residue Survey (NRS) to ensure that importing country MRLs are not exceeded
- Participate in an industry Quality Assurance program
- Seek further information from State agriculture departments, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, peak industry bodies, Horticulture Innovation Australia, and National Residue Survey.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please contact your industry organisation for more information.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch