Alerts

Who does this notice affect:
Importers and prospective importers of processed plant-based stock feed products including (but not limited to):

What has changed:
Due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and current travel restrictions that have been implemented by the Australian Government, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment advises stakeholders to expect delays relating to import permit functions for processed plant-based stock feed.

The following impacts are to be expected:

• Where you hold an import permit or a recently expired permit (i.e. evidence of existing trade) and have a permit application in place then the department will consider issuing a new permit provided no significant issues are found on desk-audit. The length of the permit will depend on the risk profile of the commodity and the country of origin.
  

• Where you do not hold a permit (or a recently expired permit) and have a permit application in place then the desk audit and site audit will be delayed for up to 12 months. Please contact the department to discuss next steps. Alternatives to site audits may be considered by the department where it can be demonstrated that the alternative arrangement provides equivalent levels of biosecurity risk management to existing audit protocols.
  

• Where you do not hold a permit (or a recently expired permit) and do not have a permit application in place then we encourage you to delay applying for a permit, until otherwise notified. This remains a constantly evolving situation and we will continue to monitor and implement appropriate measures to safeguard the health of staff and the community.
  

Further information:
Enquiries regarding stock feed can be directed to the department at imports@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, prompt 1).