China: WA Consul General visits lobster export facility

China’s most senior government representative in Western Australia, Consul General Long Dingbin, made a visit to a Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative facility last week. Some media have interpreted the visit as a positive sign that market access for Australian rock lobster might soon be restored. Read the report by the South China Morning Post here.

According to the Perth Consulate’s official media release, ‘It is expected that the relationship between the two countries will continue to develop and pave the way for Jilongteng (GFC) to provide more high-quality products to Chinese customers.’ Read the full statement on the consulate’s website here (Chinese).

New Zealand: Import Health Standard Update

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries have updated the Import Health Standard (IHS) for Aquatic Animal Products. The IHS was published on Friday 23 December and applies to all aquatic animal products exported from Australia to New Zealand including fish, molluscs, crustacea, echinoderms, cnidaria, tunicates, and annelids.

There have been numerous changes, including the requirements for documentation and eligibility conditions for certain species. Read the full market access advice on the DAFF website here.

India: New certificate requirements

Indian authorities implemented new health certificate requirements for the export of fish and fish products to India from 1 January 2023. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) advises it is negotiating new export health certification for fish and fish products. Products exported to India on existing health certification may not be accepted at import inspection and may be at elevated risk of being detained. Read the full market access advice on the DAFF website here.

Vietnam, Taiwan: Expressions of interest for Austrade delegations

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is seeking expressions of interest to participate in premium food export-related trade delegations to Vietnam and Taiwan.

Austrade will host a six-destination, food and beverage-focused exporter roadshow in Vietnam delivered over two weeks - one program in March, and another in September 2023. Find out more and lodge an expression of interest on the Austrade website here.

The Australian Premium Product Showcase will be held in Taipei on 2 May 2023. Find out more and register your interest on the Austrade website here.

EU: Ban on Cameroon seafood imports

The European Commission has banned imports of seafood caught in Cameroon’s waters or caught by ships flagged there. It labelled the central African country as “non-cooperating” in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Read more here.

Philippines: Seafood import requirements

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Global Agriculture Information Network has published a new report outlining Philippine government requirements for the importation of fishery and seafood products. The report provides information on labelling, packaging, permitted ingredients, and other relevant information. Read more here

South Korea: Proposed establishment registration requirements 

South Korean authorities have notified the World Trade Organization of the intention to revise the Aquatic Organism Disease Control Act. Proposed changes include the introduction of a registration system of foreign establishments and the establishment of a legal basis for on-site inspection conducted overseas.

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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.