Biosecurity changes to coffee imports and abalone exports

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced changes to coffee imports and abalone exports.

DAFF is trialling a system under which importers of green coffee beans that have an exemplary record of quarantine compliance will have a reduced rate of inspection.

“The majority of green coffee bean imports are of such high quality that most suppliers have had a perfect inspection record over the last five years,” said Enrico Perotti, DAFF’s Plant Quarantine Operations Manager.

“In addition, the roasting process, which takes place after inspection, significantly reduces the remaining chance of any risk material entering into our environment.

“This trial is aimed at rewarding the good importers who continually comply with Australia’s quarantine requirements, while still providing confidence that the less experienced suppliers will be monitored appropriately,” Perotti said.

DAFF may expand the system of reduced inspection rates to other imports such as hulled sesame seeds and dried dates and apricots that are historically ‘clean’ imports.

The Australian Government has approved a proposal to change export processes for Australian abalone which may reduce costs for abalone divers.

Under the new changes, abalone divers who shuck their products at sea for export will no longer need to pay registration and associated fees. DAFF said the changes will benefit the $250 million abalone export industry, particularly in South and Western Australia.

DAFF anticipates the process of bringing these changes into effect will be completed within four months.