18 May 2017
Species: Sheep and goats
Country: Kuwait, Oman and the UAE
For information:
- Livestock Exporters
- LiveCorp
- ALEC
- Department Officers
Purpose
To advise exporters of the requirement for a Supply Chain Management Plan (SCMP) for the export of sheep and goats to Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).
SCMPs may also be requested for other markets and supply chains at the department’s discretion.
Background
In 2016, the department introduced a requirement for all existing exporters of sheep and goats to Kuwait, Oman and UAE to prepare a SCMP. This requirement was a result of ongoing ESCAS non-compliance in these markets. Published compliance reports outline these requirements and are available at Regulatory compliance investigations (see reports 61/68, 75, 78, 79/86/87, 84/85, 88/89, 115/122 and 114/117).
The purpose of a SCMP is for exporters to document actions, processes and systems to mitigate the risks of non-compliance in their supply chains.
A SCMP is now required as part of any ESCAS application or variation for all new and existing exporters of sheep and goats to Kuwait, Oman and the UAE.
The department may also require a SCMP as part of an ESCAS application or variation for livestock exporters to other markets. This is likely to be required in markets with recent, serious or long-term non-compliance issues, and when applying to a new market, or a market that has not been supplied for an extended period. Exporters should contact the LAE Compliance section to discuss requirements in these circumstances.
The department will review the SCMP as part of the ESCAS application. The department may also audit the exporter for compliance with their SCMPs.
Instructions
Exporters must include a SCMP with all ESCAS applications for sheep and goats to Kuwait, Oman and UAE, or other markets when requested.
A SCMP must include the following information:
- An outline of the management of the supply chain, including a list of positions and corresponding roles and responsibilities.
- Identification of possible locations of loss of control and traceability of livestock in the supply chain and risk management strategies to mitigate these risks.
- Additional actions to be implemented during all high risk periods, including Eid Al Adha, to ensure compliance with ESCAS standards.
- The process used by the exporter to confirm compliance with a SCMP, for example the type of reports and documentation received, their content and how they are verified for accuracy.
- Specific information or situations that would initiate further investigation by the exporter. This may include third party or industry reports of non-compliance with ESCAS standards, such as Australian animals for sale in markets outside of approved supply chains, or other significant incidents, for example high feedlot mortality rates.
- Supplementary technology or systems that could be utilised by the exporter to improve control and traceability.
- Market engagement and training activities delivered by technical experts (employed or contracted by the exporter) to support ongoing ESCAS compliance. This should include details of activities planned and a register of associated dates, locations and outcomes.
- Whether selling pens operate in livestock sales areas associated with ESCAS approved abattoirs, including the number of pens and how they are identified.
- If selling pens are used these must be audited as part of routine Independent Performance Audit Reports (IPARs) and assessed for compliance with ESCAS requirements for control, traceability and animal welfare, including handling and transport. Details of their location within a sales area must be provided to the department on request.
- Any other relevant information.
Leah Wells
Live Animal Export Branch
Exports Division
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
Contact Officers: Helen Smith and Amy Shergold
Phone: 02 6272 4581
Email: Live Stock Exports