Import suspension of uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat into Australia | January 2017

The Australian government has indefinitely suspended the importation of uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat on the back of the current outbreak of the destructive white spot disease.

Are any prawn meats exempt?

• Uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat sourced from New Caledonia; 
• Uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat processed into dumplings, spring rolls, samosas, other dim sum-type products and other similar products;
• Uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat which have been coated for human consumption by being breaded, crumbed or battered.

What happens to my import permit for uncooked prawns?

If you hold an import permit for goods that have been suspended, your import permit will be suspended. This suspension will take effect from 9 January 2017 until 9 July 2017.

What will happen to my goods?

Goods within the suspended class of goods with a documented final/master Bill of Lading date at the port of origin of 9 January 2017 or later are suspended and if imported to Australia will be required to be exported or destroyed at the importers expense.

The full notice is available here or contact your nominated broker for further clarification.