The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) intends to implement interim import conditions for uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat commodities when the suspension of imports of raw prawns (i.e. those that are uncooked, frozen and have had the head and shell removed (the last shell segment and tail fans permitted)) lapses on 6 July 2017.
For those uncooked prawn commodities that have already been exempted from the import suspension, it is proposed that the import conditions that were established to support their exemption will continue. For raw prawns which are currently subject to the import suspension, it is proposed that when the suspension lapses interim import conditions will be put in place which will include both pre-export and on-arrival testing for prawn diseases of concern.
The department will vary or reissue import permits for uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat commodities to ensure they reflect updated import conditions once the suspension lapses. Permit holders are being advised of this process.
Regarding prawns exported to Vietnam, processed and re-imported to Australia: DAWR will be accepting permit applications for uncooked Australian wild caught prawns exported to Vietnam for processing and re-imported into Australia from 15 June 2017.
Further information can be found on the department’s website via the following link: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/memos/ba2017-10 – or call us here at Colless Young for more information and assistance.
