Australian Seafood Export Legislation
Below, we have curated the legislation you need to comply with to export seafood from Australia:
The Export Control Act 2020 (the Act) sets out the overarching legal framework for the regulation of exported goods, including food and agricultural products, from Australia.
Australian Food Standards Code
Products sold on the Australian market (the domestic market) must comply with the food standards code. The code includes general food, food product, food safety and primary production standards and detailed requirements for additives, food safety and labelling.
EPBC Act 1999
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 requires the strategic assessment of fisheries under Part 10 of the EPBC Act, assessments relating to impacts on protected marine species under Part 13, and assessments for export approval under Part 13A.
Export Control Act 2020
Details general export requirements that apply to all exporters. The Act requires an Approved Arrangement (AA) to be approved by the Australian federal government, which all establishments must have.
Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021
Provides specific guidance for seafood exporters and defines what a prescribed good is. It also sets out the requirements that must be complied with before seafood can be exported.
National Residue Survey Administration Act
Monitors residues of pesticides, veterinary medicines, and environmental contaminants in Australian food commodities. The NRS tests animal commodities, including aquatic species (both aquaculture and wild-caught seafood).
Custom Acts 1901
Is the legislative basis for controls on the export of defence and strategic goods and technologies. Goods may be prohibited for export unless all necessary export permits are obtained from the relevant permit-issuing agency.