G/SPS/N/AUS/412/Add.8  
 
3 July 2017  
(17-3561) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMER GENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on 30 June 2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Australia . 
 
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Biosecurity (Suspended Goods - Uncooked Prawns) Determination 2017  
On 10 January 2017, Australia notified that the importation of uncooked prawns (including prawn 
meat) had been suspended under the Biosecurity (Suspended Goods - Uncooked Prawns) 
Determination 2017 (the suspension) for a period of six months. This was due to  an unacceptable 
level of biosecurity risk posed by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).  
The import suspension will lapse on 6 July 2017. Enhanced import conditions will be put in place 
from 7 July to allow for safe trade in prawns and prawn products.  
From 7 July 2017, previous classes of prawn products, namely uncooked prawns, marinated 
prawns, and Australian prawns processed overseas in a non -Australian government audited supply 
chain, will be consolidated into one product class. Prawns within this class mus t be uncooked, 
frozen and have had the head and shell removed (the last shell segment and tail fans permitted). 
These prawns will all be subject to the following import conditions:  
Exporting countries will be required to certify that the prawns have been f ound to be free of white 
spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and yellow head virus (YHV) based on sampling and testing methods 
recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Pre -export sampling and testing is 
to be conducted post -processing. The praw ns will also be subject to 100 per cent secure seals 
intact inspection on -arrival in Australia and testing for WSSV and YHV at an Australian screening 
laboratory. Only those prawns which pass testing for both WSSV and YHV at an approved 
screening laborator y will be released from biosecurity control. Australian prawns processed 
overseas through an Australian Government approved supply chain (as exists for Thailand) will not 
be subject to pre -export testing. However, this product will continue to be tested on -arrival for 
WSSV and YHV.  
Breaded, battered and crumbed prawns will not be subject to pre -export or on -arrival testing. 
However, this product will continue to be subject to 100 per cent secure seals intact inspection 
on-arrival to ensure minimum coating r equirements are met.  
Import conditions will remain in place pending the outcomes of the review of the biosecurity risks 
of, and import conditions for, prawns and prawn products, which was announced by the 
department on 16 May 2017 (G/SPS/N/AUS/422). If dur ing this time the biosecurity risks for these 
products change, the department may amend the import conditions to ensure that biosecurity risk 
meets Australia's appropriate level of protection.  
Trading partners that can meet these import conditions and wish  to export uncooked prawns to 
Australia are requested to contact the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water 
Resources to seek approval of export health certification prior to the commencement of trade. 
A revised model health certificate,  including all required health attestations, is attached.  
http://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2017/SPS/AUS/17_2994_00_e.PDF  G/SPS/N/AUS/412/Add.8  
 
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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 application 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 Authority  
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. 
Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other body:  
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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