Requirements set by Australia's agricultural export trading partners

The Department will continue to provide certification for goods that meet the requirements of the Export Control Act. Exporters/ export-registered establishments are advised that some recent shipments have been delayed on entry into China, leading to commercial losses. While the Department will continue to facilitate market access and seek to ensure importing country requirements are up to date and accurate, the Department encourages exporters to fully consider their own risk and potential losses. Exporters should ensure that they have independently confirmed relevant importing country requirements. Exporters are urged to seek advice from importers on potential for disruption to the clearance of their shipment.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7N7) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N2) have been confirmed on farms in Victoria in July and August 2020. As a result, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Department) is unable to issue export certification for some poultry and ratite meat, meat products, rendered meals, pet food, eggs and egg products where the certification contains freedom from avian influenza declarations. In addition, some trading partners have imposed temporary suspensions on the import of these products from Victoria or all of Australia.

The Department is issuing regular Market Access Advices (MAAs) to advise exporters of relevant trade developments and the status of export certification. Exporters are advised to refer to the latest MAA (MAA2081, issued on 20 November 2020) for the most up-to-date information.

Exporters are also advised to confirm with their importer or the importing country's relevant authority that they meet the importing country requirements.

For all enquiries or to obtain a copy of the latest Market Access Advice, please email exportstandards@awe.gov.au

Exporters are reminded that it is an offence to provide false or misleading information to the Australian Government.