Quarantine policy determination for importation of chicken meat

3 March 2009

Biosecurity Australia Advice 2009/02

This Biosecurity Australia Advice (BAA) informs stakeholders that Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has determined a quarantine policy for the importation of chicken meat. Importation of chicken meat may be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908, and the application of sanitary measures as specified in the Generic Import Risk Analysis Report for Chicken Meat. The policy will now be taken into account by decision makers when considering import permit applications for chicken meat in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998 as amended.

In response to long standing access requests from a number of countries, Biosecurity Australia completed an import risk analysis (IRA) on the importation of chicken meat. The IRA was completed in accordance with the provisions of the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2003. It was subject to consultation with stakeholders and public submission, review by the independent Eminent Scientist Group and an appeal process. The independent Import Risk Analysis Appeal Panel was unanimous in its decision not to allow any of the appeals. Information on the appeals is available from www.daff.gov.au/biosecuritycoordination. At the completion of the IRA process, Biosecurity Australia recommended that Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine make a policy determination that chicken meat could be permitted entry into Australia under specific quarantine conditions.

The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has now determined the quarantine policy to permit the entry of chicken meat to Australia. Importation of chicken meat may be permitted, subject to the Quarantine Act 1908, and the application of sanitary measures as specified in the Generic Import Risk Analysis Report for Chicken Meat. These measures are designed to limit quarantine risk to a level that is acceptably low, in order to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection. The policy will be taken into account by decision makers when considering import permit applications for chicken meat in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998 as amended.

Once an application for an import permit is received AQIS, in consultation with Biosecurity Australia, will be responsible for developing conditions specific to that application, having regard to the health status of the exporting country or zone. AQIS and Biosecurity Australia will also ensure that the competent authority is able to certify product to Australia’s requirements and, as appropriate, AQIS and Biosecurity Australia may inspect exporting plants and ensure adequate systems are in place.

The final IRA report (BAA 2008/33) is available on the Biosecurity Australia website, www.biosecurityaustralia.gov.au.
 
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact officer: Dr Judith Bourne
Telephone:    02 6272 3633   Facsimile:  02 6272 3399
E-mail:    Judith Bourne