American Samoa (AS)
Fish products for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the Department) is the Australian government authority responsible for export registration, inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports.
All premises involved in the production of fish and fish products for export, including fishing vessels where fish is prepared for export must be registered with the Department. For more information or assistance with the export registration process contact the department's Dairy, Eggs and Fish Program at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au.
Exceptions to establishment 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 (Fish & Fish products) Rules 2021;
- (iquid fish and liquid fish products exported in a consignment of not more than 10 litres;
- dried fish and dried fish products (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 2 kilograms;
- fish products where fish or fish products are not the major component;
- fish or fish products that are animal food or pharmaceutical material;
- fish or fish products not covered by paragraphs (a) to (d) (other than dried abalone) exported in a consignment of not more than 10 kilograms;
- fish or fish products in the form of a tablet or capsule;
- Note
- However, if the importing country 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
| Initial listing procedure for edible products | Required? |
|---|---|
| |
| Establishment listing for American Samoa | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
Bivalve molluscs
With the exception of roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat, to export bivalve molluscs to the US, Australia must demonstrate full compliance with the US National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) and must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Food and Drug Administration.
Currently, bivalve molluscs intended for export from Australia are managed in accordance with the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (ASQAP) which does not completely align with the NSSP.
These requirements do not apply to roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat.
1.4 Access for fish products for human consumption
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
| |
| Finfish | Yes |
| Bivalves | No*; with the exception of roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat. |
| Crustaceans (for example, crab, prawn, lobster, scampi, crayfish) | Yes |
| Echinoderms (for example, sea urchins, sea cucumber) | Yes |
| Gastropods (for example, abalone, periwinkles) | Yes |
| Cephalopods (for example, squid, cuttlefish, octopus) | Yes |
| Tunicates (for example, sea squirts) | Yes |
| Crocodile | No agreed certification |
US Bioterrorism Act
The US Bioterrorism Act requires establishment registration and prior notification for each shipment to the US. Exporters should organise these directly with US FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
2.1 Harvest
Sourcing of fish and fish products
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for sourcing of fish and fish products that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
Sourcing, slaughter and post-mortem inspection of crocodiles
Australia does not have access to export crocodile to American Samoa.
2.2 Microbial and residue sampling
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for microbial sampling, and maximum acceptable limits, that differ from relevant Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
American Samoa 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 American Samoa or may be established at levels lower than those established in Australia. Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants may also vary between the American Samoa and Australia.
Food business operators should note that:
- These differences can be interrogated case-by-case by considering the American Samoa standards and the Australian standards.
- Any detection of a residue above the American Samoa 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.
2.3 Operational requirements additional to Australia's export legislation
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for operational hygiene that differ from those required in the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
2.4 Premises and equipment
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for premises and equipment that differ from those required in the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.1 Live fish
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Bivalve molluscs cannot be exported to the US. Refer to Section 1.3 for information.
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for the preparation of live fish that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.2 Non-viable fish
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for the preparation of non-viable fish that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.3 Crocodile
Australia does not have access to export crocodile to American Samoa.
3.4 Packaging
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for packaging, that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.5 Labelling
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for labelling, that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
3.6 Shelf life
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for shelf life that differ from of the relevant Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
4.1 Shipping marks
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for shipping marks that differ from of the relevant Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
4.2 Refrigeration, transfer and loadout
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
American Samoa has no known specific requirements for refrigeration, transfer and loadout that differ from those required by the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021.
5.1 Import permit
Exporters should confirm with their importer if an import permit is required for their product.
5.2 Port of entry inspection and testing
6.1 Live fish
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Exporters should ensure that a Prior Notice recognised under the US Bioterrorism Act is provided for each shipment to the US. A Prior Notice should be organised directly with the US FDA.
For finfish, crustaceans, echinoderms, gastropods, cephalopods and tunicates, use an FX46A Certificate with endorsement 2011.
Embedded endorsement
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular 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
Additional Endorsement 2011
The fish &/or fishery products listed above have been prepared using HACCP to control food safety hazards & are considered by AQIS to be processed in accordance with the requirements of United States Food & Drug Administration Regulations 21 CFR Part 123.
Bivalve molluscs
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Australia does not currently have access for bivalve molluscs (excluding roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat). Refer to Section 1.3 for information.
6.2 Non-viable fish
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Exporters should ensure that a Prior Notice recognised under the US Bioterrorism Act is provided for each shipment to the US. A Prior Notice should be organised directly with the US FDA.
For finfish, crustaceans, echinoderms, gastropods, cephalopods and tunicates, use an FX46A Certificate with endorsement 2011.
Embedded endorsement
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular 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
Additional Endorsement 2011
The fish &/or fishery products listed above have been prepared using HACCP to control food safety hazards & are considered by AQIS to be processed in accordance with the requirements of United States Food & Drug Administration Regulations 21 CFR Part 123.
Bivalve molluscs
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Australia does not currently have access for bivalve molluscs (excluding roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat). Refer to Section 1.6 for information.
Roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat
American Samoa adopts US importing country requirements, which are shown below:
Exporters should ensure that a Prior Notice recognised under the US Bioterrorism Act is provided for each shipment to the US. A Prior Notice should be organised directly with the US FDA.
For roe-off scallop adductor muscle meat, use an FX46A Certificate with endorsement 2011.
Embedded endorsement
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the conditions or restrictions applicable under the particular 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
Additional Endorsement 2011
The fish &/or fishery products listed above have been prepared using HACCP to control food safety hazards & are considered by AQIS to be processed in accordance with the requirements of United States Food & Drug Administration Regulations 21 CFR Part 123.
6.3 Crocodiles
There is no agreed certification for import of crocodile meat into American Samoa.
Fish products not for human consumption
1.1 Establishment registration
The Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021 does not regulate fish and fish products not for human consumption. Establishments processing such products are not required to be export registered with the Department unless it is a requirement of the importing country. Exporters are encouraged to confirm the eligibility and import requirements of their product with their importer, or directly with the importing country competent authority prior to export.
Importing countries may require a health certificate be provided for fish and fish products not for human consumption. If a health certificate is required, contact the department's non-prescribed goods program at NPGExports@aff.gov.au for further information.
1.2 Overseas listing
| Initial listing procedure for fish products not for human consumption | Required? |
|---|---|
| Establishment listing for American Samoa | No |
1.3 Prohibited products
The Department is not aware of any prohibited fish products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check with their importers to determine if the products are permitted for import to American Samoa.
1.4 Access for fish products not for human consumption
| Product | Access? |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture feed | No agreed certification |
| Animal feed | No agreed certification |
| Crocodile skins and hides | No agreed certification |
| Technical products and pharmaceutical material (for example, fish oil capsule) | No agreed certification |
| Rendered products | No agreed certification |
| Shells | No agreed certification |
The Department is not aware of the requirements for animal feed. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check requirements with their importer or the American Samoa competent authority prior to shipping any animal feed to American Samoa.
The Department is not aware of the requirements for crocodile skins and hides. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check requirements with their importer or the American Samoa competent authority prior to shipping any rendered products to American Samoa.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for Rendered products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the American Samoa competent authority prior to shipping any Rendered products to American Samoa.
The Department is not aware of the production requirements for technical grade and pharmaceutical products. Additional information relating to fish and fish products not for human consumption may also be found on the corresponding Meat Micor page. Exporters should check production requirements with their importer or the American Samoa competent authority prior to shipping any technical products or pharmaceutical material to American Samoa.
11/08/2023 - Updated residue statement to refer to importing country standards (section 2.2).
28/03/2023 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.
28/03/2023 - Content on this page may have changed location to conform to standard Fish headings.