China changes both the viable and the non-viable species list approved for import from Australia

November 2019

The STAG maintains a regular watch on the GACC Chinese website to enable early detection of changes to the approved species lists (both viable and non-viable). 

We are really pleased to report that we were able to detect changes to both lists this month.  The Department of Agriculture was alerted and they checked with staff in Beijing who were able to confirm the changes that have been made to both lists.  

Here is a summary of the changes:

Non-viable List

Note that the spelling of the names in the table is correct. For the purposes of accurate taxonomic reference the Department  has made some changes to what is documented in the Chinese version of non-viable list compared to what prints on the certification.  The Department does not anticipate that this will cause any clearance issues.  If it does – exporters should immediately e-mail details to dairyeggsfish@agriculture.gov.au

The Department of Agriculture has also advised that the Chinese officials had requested additional information on the first priority group of species – the ones with documented proof of trade with mainland China prior to 2012.  This additional information has been submitted and the Chinese officials have acknowledged receipt of this. We will let you know immediately if there is any further response.  The Department of Agriculture will follow up again before the end of December.

Viable (Live) List

The following have been added to the Viable (Live) List for human consumption

Genus – Plectropomus – this includes a number of Plectropomus spp. caught routinely in Australian waters (for example: Passionfruit Coral Trout (Plectropomus areolatus)).  

Genus – Epinephelus – this includes a number of Epinephelus spp. caught routinely in Australian waters or farmed (for example: Queensland Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)).  This genus is already approved and on the non-viable list so this amendment has expanded the format that the product can be imported as.

EXDOC

There are a number of Epinephelus spp. listed in EXDOC  but only one species - the Common Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) currently listed in the EXDOC system. For codes and scientific names see lists at:https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/fish/exporters/product-codes#finfish-code-list).

If the species you wish to export is not listed in EXDOC and it can be accurately identified you may apply to the Department for additional codes to be added to EXDOC.  For any EXDOC code applications, reference needs to be as per Australian Fish Names Standardhttp://www.fishnames.com.au or if not yet named under the Standard – by CAAB or Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota (CSIRO) https://www.cmar.csiro.au/data/caab/

Visit the STAG Website

A new page is being added to www.seafoodtradeadvisory.com to house all the information that we have about the China Approved Species List, as well as important resources and links to assist the preparation of the risk dossier.  

Register to Receive Updates  

The STAG will provide email updates on progress to STAG members every month.  Go to the STAG website to sign up to the newsletters receive these.

This STAG support service has been funded by the Department of Agriculture so Australian seafood exporters can get their product species on to the approved China List.

 The Seafood Trade Advisory Group receives funds from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.  The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation plans, invests in and manages fisheries research and development throughout Australia. It is a statutory authority within the portfolio of the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the fishing industry.
 

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