Ai Group welcomes DAFF decision on cocoa imports

The federal government’s decision to lower the inspection rate for imported cocoa products has been described by the Australian Industry Group as “sensible”.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced it will lower the inspection rate for imported cocoa products to 5% of consignments.

“These reforms will provide a significant cost saving to numerous chocolate manufacturers without causing a concern to the Australian consumer,” said Tim Piper, Victorian Director of Ai Group and Principal Advocate Ai Group Confectionery Sector.

“Container inspection fees are costly and some inspections have become unnecessary. The red tape saving to industry and the improved efficiencies are important in helping Australian chocolate manufacturers to maintain international competitiveness.

“It also shows willingness on the part of DAFF to reconsider its inspection regime for imported ingredients and to ensure it does not impose unnecessary costs on Australian manufacturers,” Piper said.

“Industry has been seeking this change and had demonstrated a long history of compliance which has led to this important outcome.”