G/SPS/N/AUS/412/Add.4  
 
20 April 2017  
(17-2156) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  NOTIFICATION OF EMER GENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on 20 April 2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Australia . 
 
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Biosecurity (Suspended Goods  – Uncooked Prawns) Amendment (Exceptions)  Determination 
(No. 3) 2017 – Health Certificates  
On 6 January 2017, Australia suspended the importation of uncooked prawns (including prawn 
meat) under the Biosecurity (Suspended Goods  – Uncooked Prawns) Determination 2017 (the 
Determination). This was d ue to an unacceptable level of biosecurity risk posed by white spot 
syndrome virus (WSSV).  
On 5 April 2017, Australia notified a third amendment (G/SPS/N/AUS/412/Add. 3), exempting 
uncooked Australian wild -caught prawns exported overseas for processing, and  re-exported to 
Australia. This exemption was granted on the provision that these products met a number of 
interim measures to ensure biosecurity risks are adequately managed. Australia has developed 
these interim measures and a revised model health certif icate, including all required health 
attestations  (see link below) . 
To facilitate trade in uncooked Australian wild -caught prawns exported overseas for processing, 
and re -exported to Australia, importers must hold a valid Australian import permit which con tains 
the revised interim measures. The competent authority (CA) of the exporting country is also 
required to certify that the prawn consignment has been processed in CA approved premises with 
procedures in place to ensure product segregation throughout tr ansport, processing and storage. 
In addition, the CA must certify that the processed prawns have:  
 been found free of WSSV and yellow head virus (YHV) based on sampling and testing 
methods recognised by the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE); and  
 had at le ast the head and shell removed.  
Australia will be implementing measures at the border to verify health certificate attestations. At -
border measures will include on -arrival inspection and testing for WSSV and YHV. On -arrival 
testing for WSSV and YHV will continue for 100 percent of consignments while interim conditions 
remain in place.  
Trading partners that can meet the interim measures and wish to re -export uncooked Australian 
wild-caught prawns to Australia are requested to contact the Australian Go vernment Department 
of Agriculture and Water Resources to seek approval of export health certification prior to the 
commencement of trade.  
http://members.wto.org /crnattachments/2017/SPS/AUS/17_1946_00_e.pdf  G/SPS/N/AUS/412/Add.4  
 
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  This addendum concerns a:  
[ ] Modification of final date for comments  
[X] Modification of content and/or sco pe of previously notified regulation  
[ ] Withdrawal of  regulation  
[ ] Change in period of applic ation of measure  
[ ] Other:  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [X]  National Notification Authority, 
[ ] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of 
other body:  
The Australian SPS Notification Authori ty 
GPO Box 858  
Canberra ACT  2601 
Australia  
Fax: +(61 2) 6272 3678  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au   
Text(s) available from: [X]  National Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point. 
Addres s, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other body:  
Technical area Address and/or  
The Australian SPS Notification Authority  
GPO Box 858  
Canberra ACT 2601  
Australia  
Fax: +(61 2) 6272 3678  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au   
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