EUCAS Questions and Answers
1. Information on EUCAS
1.1. Why do we need EUCAS for the European Union?
The European Union will not accept Australian beef unless certain production requirements are met.
These requirements include:
Main site content
EUCAS: Legislative basis
The legislative basis for the European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) is the:
EUCAS: Feedlots
Feedlots must be EUCAS accredited if they want to produce animals that can be exported as meat to the EU. A feedlot is a registered business covered by a single Property Identification Code (PIC) under State or Territory legislation where cattle are confined and fed high–energy rations to maximise their growth prior to slaughter. Feedlots may contain segregated EUCAS and non–EUCAS cattle.
The following documents relate to EUCAS accredition for feedlots:
European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme EUCAS
The European Union Cattle Accreditation Scheme (EUCAS) is a national animal production scheme that guarantees full traceability of all animals through the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), linking individual animal identification to a central database. EUCAS allows Australia to meet the European Union (EU) market requirements for beef by segregating cattle that have never been treated with hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) at any time.
European Union (EU) animal welfare requirements
The purpose of this document is to remind establishments of their obligations under EC regulation 1099/2009. Establishments are reminded that the information contained in this fact sheet is captured and published in the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor). Please note that this fact sheet is a non-exhaustive summary of EC regulation 1099/2009.
Equipment approvals
Publication details
Department of Agriculture, Forestry Fisheries and Forestry, July 2024.
List of equipment and materials approved for use at establishments to prepare meat and meat products.
Download
Export meat systems audit program checklist
Publication details
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry May 2025
To provide a work tool for conducting audits at export registered establishments with the aim of consistency across audits.
Download
Mortality Report 79 - Cattle exported by sea to China in June 2019
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Summary
On 28 May 2019, Southern Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd (SACC) exported 1,832 slaughter cattle to China. The journey was completed in 15 days and discharged in China over 13 and 14 June 2019.
Vessels
Protecting Australia
The department manages biosecurity risks at the Australian border. We ensure international vessels arriving in Australian territory comply with International Health Regulations (IHR) and manage biosecurity risks for arrival.
Maritime conveyances (vessels) entering Australia could unknowingly carry unwanted pests and diseases, threatening our unique flora and fauna, aquaculture and agricultural industries as well as our human health.
Transhipped ship’s stores lodgement cover sheet
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 16 June 2016
This form is to be used when notifying the Department about the pending arrival of transhipped ship’s stores (sea or air).