Alerts

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) will re-establish import conditions for uncooked pig meat from Belgium. The import conditions are expected to be available from mid-December 2022.

• A standard permit will be available for import of uncooked pig meat from Belgium.
• Import permits will include the condition that the pig meat be directed to an approved arrangements site for processing by an approved method, prior to release from biosecurity control.

It is recommended that prospective importers follow the Pig meat case via their BICON account so that you are notified when the changes are implemented. You can follow the case by logging into your BICON account, going to the Pig meat case, and on the right-hand side under Case Option click on Follow case.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of uncooked pig meat, Pathway Operations Cargo – Assessment and Inspection, and the Pig meat team.

Background:
Imports of pig meat from Belgium were suspended in 2018, following an outbreak of African Swine Fever in that country.

Belgium has recently been recognised by Australia as free of African Swine Fever and import conditions will re-established to allow trade to recommence.

Further information:
Please contact the Food Biosecurity Imports Section on 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, then prompt 1) or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.