Alerts

Biosecurity officers from the department’s Animal and Biological Imports Branch (ABIB) conduct audits of overseas manufacturers of pet food and veterinary vaccines. These audits, which form part of the department’s risk management framework, provide assurance of the compliance of overseas manufacturers with Australia’s biosecurity requirements.

In March 2020, audits of overseas pet food and veterinary vaccine manufacturers were suspended following the cessation of international travel because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The branch reverted to desk and virtual audits as an interim measure to facilitate ongoing trade in goods with a history of export to Australia.

The re-opening of international borders following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination programs means that the branch’s audit functions have now returned to normal.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers of veterinary vaccines and pet food.

Background:
Goods and manufacturers will be subject to desktop and site audit where it is a requirement of existing biosecurity policy.

The resumption of offshore audits will allow the branch to recommence assessment of new product pathways i.e. pathways for goods that do not have a history of export to Australia.

Further information:
Please contact the department on 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, prompt 1) or via email at imports@agriculture.gov.au.