Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock version 3.3 Laboratory Test Reports

Attention

• All stakeholders

Purpose

To advise stakeholders that the department has delayed commencement of new laboratory test report requirements under the updated Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) version 3.3.

Key points

• On 20 October 2023 the department distributed an Export Advisory Notice (EAN 2023-15) advising stakeholders of the publication of the draft new ASEL 3.3.
• The updated final draft of ASEL 3.3 is available here. It includes track changes to show where changes have been made between ASEL 3.2 and ASEL 3.3 for ease of identification.
• Following feedback from some stakeholders, the new standard regarding animal identification on laboratory test reports has been delayed to allow industry more time to prepare for the changes.
• The updated standard for laboratory test reports will now come into force on 3 April 2024.
• The standard requires that reports must include the results of the testing undertaken and in a single report:
  • the NLIS identification number of the animal where individual identification is required by state or territory legislation,
  • the PIC where the animal was sampled, and
  • the visual tag number of the animal (if applied).
• Exporters are encouraged to upgrade and test their systems ahead of 3 April 2024 to ensure they are prepared for the change. The department will also provide support to ensure issues are addressed ahead of commencement of the new standard.
• All consignments exported on or after 3 April 2024 must comply with this new requirement. Failure to do so may result in regulatory actions in response to non-compliances.
• 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.
• ASEL 3.2 continues to apply for all consignments exported before 30 November 2023.

Background

• A draft of ASEL 3.3 was published on 20 October 2023 to allow stakeholders time to prepare for the changes in advance of commencement on 30 November 2023.
  • The majority of the amendments will commence on 30 November 2023.
  • There are now 6 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.
• 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. All submissions were considered when finalising ASEL 3.3. For further information regarding the public consultation, visit Have Your Say.

Jess Rummery
Director
Live Animal Export Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
 
Melissa D'Amico
Contact officer
Phone: 02 6272 4581
Email: livestockexp@agriculture.gov.au