Purpose
This EAN replaces EAN 2014-09. The purpose of this notice is to advise exporters of amended verification requirements to demonstrate compliance with importing country requirements for breeder cattle destined to China.
Background
The importing country requirements for breeder cattle to China include the following clauses:
4.2. The cattle for export were born and raised on the farm from which they are being exported or were reared on the farm during the past 6 months.
4.3. The farms are located in the bluetongue free area. The zoning map for bluetongue in Australia is available on the Animal Health Australia website.
Breeder cattle including traded cattle are only eligible for export to China if they have been resident on the farm for at least 6 months prior to commencement of on farm testing and the farm is located in the bluetongue free zone.
In order to address ongoing concerns raised by the Chinese authorities in relation to exporters complying with these requirements, additional verification measures utilising the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) have been agreed with the Chinese authorities.
Instructions
For all applications to export breeder cattle to China, exporters will be required to include in their Consignment Risk Management Plan (CRMP) a process to ensure that:
- All cattle are fitted with a functional National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) compliant Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) device,
- Cattle selected for export have up to date and accurate records in the NLIS database that demonstrate the minimum 6 month residency requirement,
- A complete farm list including name and address of the vendor, the PIC number and NLIS tag numbers, (for example in excel format) is provided to the department at least 7 working days prior to induction into pre-export quarantine (PEQ),
- For cattle which were inducted into PEQ, a complete list including name and address of the vendor, the PIC number and NLIS tag numbers, (for example in excel format) is provided to the department no later than 10 working days following the commencement of PEQ.
The department will conduct an audit of these records for the first consignment for each exporter using this system to ensure compliance with the importing country requirements. Any cattle for which the minimum six month residency requirement using the NLIS cannot be demonstrated are ineligible for export and will be rejected from the consignment. Auditing of the NLIS records will form part of the documentation processing for the consignment and time will be recorded for charging purposes.
The department will continue to audit records for future consignments. Ongoing audits will be based on the exporter’s compliance history. The department may share NLIS records with relevant state authorities.
This process may be reviewed at any time including consideration of an industry developed assurance process utilising the NLIS.
Jenny Cupit
Assistant Secretary
Live Animal Export Branch
Contact officer: Jonathan Adams
Ph: (02) 6272 4581
Email: Livestock Exports