Seafood Trade Matters
The latest developments in International Seafood Trade & Market Access affecting Australian Seafood Exporters.
December 8, 2022
In this edition: China export registrations update; India FTA; Seafood Export Program report
China: Export registration update
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) has provided an update on the status of exporter registrations in the China Import Food Enterprise Register (CIFER) system. The department continues to work closely with embassy staff to lobby China Customs to progress applications and resolve issues.
Any establishment that is unsure of the progression of their applications (either modification or extension) is encouraged to contact the department via exportlisting@agriculture.gov.au to ensure no steps have been missed and all required information has been provided.
Any establishment that has had a modification application approved is strongly encouraged to submit their extension application as soon as possible.
STAG will continue to monitor this issue and pass on government advice as appropriate.
India - Australia trade agreement enters force on 29 December
The Indian Government has completed its domestic requirements to enable implementation of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). The agreement will now enter into force on 29 December 2022. Read the Trade Minister’s announcement here.
Under the agreement, tariffs on live lobster will be immediately abolished, while tariffs on frozen lobster will be phased out over seven years. Read more about the benefits for Australian seafood exports on the Seafood Industry Australia website here.
Seafood Export Program report now available
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) Seafood Export Program report, covering the 22/23 September quarter, is available to view on the STAG website here.
According to the report, for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2022, there was a 14% decrease in export volumes compared to the same period last year. Japan was the top market by volume, and with China, Thailand and the United States, made up approximately 70% of exports. Finfish and tunas were the major export species by weight.
Animal Biosecurity: Scientific advisory group's report on the provisional final report for the prawn review
DAFF advises that the review by the members of the scientific advisory group (SAG) of the draft and provisional final government reports on the biosecurity risks of imported prawns is available for viewing. For more background, see the DAFF advice here. See the SAG report here.
Reminder: Feedback on the Seafood Export Facilitator service
DAFF is requesting feedback on the Seafood Export Facilitator service to be provided by tomorrow, Friday 9 December 2022. The program is assisting new and established businesses comply with government export requirements, including registrations, licences, and documentation. Your views will help to improve the service.
The feedback survey can be accessed here (scroll down and click ‘take survey’).
Export Supply Chain Snapshot
Austrade’s Export Supply Chain Service (ESCS) released a snapshot summary on 24 November. This edition looks at airfreight. To view the snapshot, visit the ESCS website here.
Export Control Rules feedback
DAFF is seeking stakeholder feedback on its proposed changes to the Export Control Rules 2021 for animals, meat, organic goods and plants. You are invited to share feedback via this online form.
UK and EU: Government support for fishing sector
The UK Government has announced funding to boost the local fishing industry through projects to upgrade infrastructure and revive local docks the UK-wide £100 million Seafood Fund. According to the UK Government, the ‘Seafood Fund is a landmark government investment supporting the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fishing and seafood industry, with the infrastructure strand of the Fund helping to pay for upgrades to ports, processing and aquaculture facilities so they can meet future demand whilst also boosting jobs and economic growth.’ Learn more here.
The EU has announced Spain and Croatia will be major beneficiaries of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund for 2021-2027 and will “receive substantial financial support”. Spain is allotted €1.57 billion and Croatia €348 million over the period.
According to Brussels, ‘The programmes' allocations will be mostly dedicated to sustainable fisheries, sustainable aquaculture and processing as well as to sustainable blue economy in coastal regions and the strengthening of the international ocean governance.’ Read more here.
The STAG is funded by partners:
The Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) is jointly funded by the Australian government and the fishing industry. We receive funds from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).which is a statutory authority within the portfolio of the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Any information provided in this STAG publication is general in nature. Before acting on any information provided, you should consider its appropriateness to your individual circumstances and business objectives.
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