China warns of significant delays for processing Australian seafood

The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment has received new information, via commercial channels, indicating for the potential for significant delays for the clearance of consignments of Australian seafood at Chinese ports of entry.

Information received by the Department indicates a new testing regime for seafood could be implemented immediately, with the time taken for laboratory analysis of samples potentially extending to two weeks.

The Market Access Advice (MAA) provides urgent information concerning the potential for significant delays in border clearance for consignments likely to affect all seafood exported from Australia. At this stage, the Department understands that exports of Abalone, Atlantic Salmon and Coral Trout may be primarily be affected.

If you wish to contact the department on these issues or if your consignment is detained, fails or receives an adverse inspection outcome and is rejected, please contact the department, including all details, via:

This advice follows the events of last week where some Australian lobster shipments experienced customs clearance delays due to an increased level of import inspections in China.

The Seafood Trade Advisory Group (STAG) will continue to be the main contact point for further updates.

STAG has formed a small working group to work collaboratively with authorities to resolve this issue quickly. Seafood Industry Australia is a member of this group, which has been meeting daily to share information.

For updates and information regarding lobster shipments visit the STAG website here.

To register for STAG updates please contact: [email protected].

Further updates will be provided as details become known.