The department (DAWR) has announced upcoming changes to the inspection and analysis of bivalve molluscs under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. Bivalve molluscs are foods such as clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, pipi and scallops.
From 10 May 2017, the department will analyse retorted (canned) bivalve molluscs for both domoic acid and paralytic shellfish poison (PSP toxin) at the risk rate. To implement this change, importers and brokers should ensure that the goods description or other lodged documentation (for example, manufacturer’s declaration) clearly specifies the amount of bivalve molluscs present per kilogram of the food.
If the goods description or other lodged documentation does not clearly specify the amount of bivalve molluscs in the goods then the goods will continue to be analysed for paralytic shellfish poison toxin and domoic acid.
There is also an additional tariff code to which an existing Community Protection question will apply under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. From 19 April 2017, the following Community Protection (CP) question will also be applied to goods lodged in the ICS under tariff code 03035900 90:
‘IFIS: ARE THE GOODS, OR DO THE GOODS CONTAIN MORE THAN 300 G/KG (30%) OF, FISH OF THE FAMILY SCOMBRIDAE, CORYPHAENIDAE, POMATOMIDAE, CARANGIDAE, CLUPEIDAE, ENGRAULIDAE OR SCOMBERESOCIDAE?’
This change will ensure that all relevant fish are referred for inspection and analysis under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
