1.1 Establishment registration

Establishments are required to be export registered to export eggs from Australia to Tonga.

Exceptions to establishment list and overseas registration

Preparation of goods at an export registered establishment and an export permit is not required if you are exporting the following, as these goods are not prescribed under the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021;

1. (a) eggs from a species other than Gallus gallus;
2. (b) egg products derived from eggs from a species other than Gallus gallus;
3. (c) eggs or egg products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
4. (d) liquid egg products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
5. (e) eggs or egg products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (d) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
6. (f) egg products in the form of a tablet or capsule;
   
7. (g) eggs or egg products for export to New Zealand.

Note

However, if Tonga requires a government certificate for the entry of the above goods, a certificate can be issued by the department – provided that the goods have been prepared in an export registered establishment.

1.2 Overseas listing

Establishments are not required to be establishment listed to export eggs from Australia to Tonga.

1.3 General information

An import permit is required for eggs exported from Australia to Tonga.

The validity of the permit is subject to change as determined by Tonga.

2.1 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation

Tonga has no known additional requirements.

2.2 Microbial and residue sampling and maximum acceptable limits

Tonga has no known additional requirements for microbial sampling of eggs and egg products that differ from those required in the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021.

Tonga residue standards

Maximum residue limits (MRLs) or import tolerances for residues of specific agricultural and veterinary chemicals approved for use in Australia may not exist in Tonga or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between Tonga and Australia.

Food business operators should note that:

• These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the Tonga standards and the Australian standards.
• Any detection of a residue above the Tonga ​MRLs/MLs (as applicable) at the border may result in rejection of the consignment.

Note

Importing country residue standards can usually be found via the official webpages of their competent authority. Links to a limited number of export markets and Australia are provided on the DAFF website.

3.1 Cage, barn and free-range table eggs

Health certificate for eggs

For table eggs produced for human consumption, use Health Certificate template EX46EG.

EX46EG​ embedded endorsement

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the inspection system prescribed under the Export Control Act have been complied with in respect of the prescribed goods described above, being goods that are:

• In sound condition
• Fit for human consumption
• Of Australian origin
  

For information on how to lodge a Request for Export (REX) for eggs and eggs products, follow the link​.​​

3.2 Egg products that are not heat treated

There is no agreed certification for export of non-heat-treated eggs and egg products into Tonga.

3.3 Egg products that are heat treated

There is no agreed certification for import of heat-treated eggs and egg products into Tonga.

3.4 Manufacturing grade products

There is no agreed certification for export of manufacturing grade eggs and egg products into Tonga.

3.5 Consignments under 10 kg and trade samples

Tonga has no known requirements for consignments under 10 Kg and trade samples that differ from those required in the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021. Please contact your importer for more information before sending a consignment under or equal to 10 Kg.

4.1 Import permit

An import permit is required for table eggs exported from Australia to Tonga.

Import permit(s) may be cancelled or amended at any time after issue and before arrival of the products should the animal health and quarantine status of the country of origin change or reported to have changed in the meantime.

4.2 Port of entry inspection and testing

Tongan quarantine officials will inspect the consignment and relevant documents upon arrival. 

Failure to comply will result in the destruction or re-export of the consignments at the owner’s expense.

5.1 Packaging

Tonga has no known specific requirements for packaging in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021.

5.2 Labelling

Tonga has no known specific requirements for labelling in addition to those provided in the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021.

• Nutritional claims: Not applicable
• Dual Language: Not applicable

5.3 Shelf life

Tonga has no known specific requirements for shelf life.

5.4 Use-by date

Tonga has no known specific requirements for use-by dates.

5.5 Shipping marks

Tonga has no known specific requirements for shipping marks.

6.1 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout

Eggs and egg products must be transported to ensure their condition and integrity is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021.

​​No additional documents required.

​​Not applicable.