Implementation approach for upcoming Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock version 3.3

Attention

• All stakeholders

Purpose

To advise stakeholders that the department intends to publish the updated Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) on 30 November 2023. A final draft of ASEL 3.3 is attached to this EAN.

Key points

• All consignments that will be exported on or after 30 November 2023 must be prepared and exported in accordance with ASEL 3.3.
• ASEL 3.2 continues to apply for all consignments exported before 30 November 2023.
• This final draft of ASEL includes track changes to show where changes have been made between ASEL 3.2 and ASEL 3.3 for ease of identification.
  • The majority of the amendments will commence 30 November 2023.
  • There are 5 amendments which will commence in 2024. The final draft includes implementation dates for these changes to allow preparation for commencement and to support a smooth transition.
• Exporters are not required to submit a variation of their Approved Arrangement (AA) to the department to reflect these upcoming changes to ASEL. However, exporters must ensure their AA and documents reflect the changed standards and comply with the current version of ASEL at the time consignments are exported.
  • These amendments must be recorded in the exporter's variations register, in accordance with section 1.6 of the Approved arrangement guidelines for the export of livestock.
• Amendments related to Registered Establishment (RE) standards are due to commence on 29 August 2024. The department will engage with RE occupiers on the requirements to update registrations and approvals closer to the time.

Background

• The 2023 ASEL update addressed matters raised by stakeholders relating to the export of livestock by sea and by air. The update also incorporated analysis of voyage reports, review of scientific literature and internal and external consultation.
• Refer to EAN 2023-07 for a list of matters considered in the 2023 ASEL update.
• From 26 June to 4 August 2023, the department undertook 6 weeks of public consultation on the amendments following engagement with, and feedback from, internal and external stakeholders.
  • 33 submissions were received.
  • All submissions were considered when finalising ASEL 3.3.
  • Submissions, where permission has been given, will be published on the Have Your Say webpage in November 2023. The department will also publish a thematic summary of information received in submissions.
• For further information regarding the public consultation, visit Have Your Say.
• The department is also in the process of updating the ASEL rejection criteria guidelines to improve consistency in the application of ASEL standards.