22 October 2019

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to importers of mollusc products and associated industry participants and retailers.

What has changed?

This notice is to inform industry that the Department of Agriculture is proposing changes to the existing labelling requirements for the import of molluscs (other than oysters and snails).

The proposed changes will clarify that each individual package (i.e. the smallest packaged unit) of all consignments must be labelled: ‘For human consumption only - not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals’.

Current conditions allow for the ‘carton and/or package’ to be labelled with this statement, however the Department has determined that clarification is required and that this statement must appear on the smallest unit of packaging. The statement may still appear on the outer carton.

The intent of the statement is to deter the consumer from using the goods for as bait or feed for aquatic animals as this may be a direct pathway for the introduction of pests and diseases.

Further information

The department will be enforcing this requirement from the 1st of January 2020. All goods that arrive after this date must include this statement on the smallest unit of packaging. Failure to comply with import conditions may result in the goods being directed to be re-labelled, re-exported or destroyed.

The department intends to announce changes in the import conditions as a BICON alert. The BICON alert website provides information on changes to import requirements and is frequently updated. importers are encouraged to monitor this page to access new information on import requirements: alerts & Changes.

If you require further information please call 1800 900 090 or email imports.