1.

Notifying Member: AUSTRALIA

If applicable, name of local government involved:

2.

Agency responsible: Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

3.

Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as specified in national schedules deposited with the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable): Zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries

4.

Regions or countries likely to be affected, to the extent relevant or practicable:

[X]     All trading partners

[ ]      Specific regions or countries:

5.

Title of the notified document: Importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries - draft report. Language(s): English. Number of pages: 157

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal/

6.

Description of content: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a draft review entitled Importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries – draft report for a 60 day consultation period.

The review takes into account peer-reviewed scientific information, advice from scientific experts, and relevant operational practicalities. The review identifies and assesses hazards of biosecurity concern associated with the importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen. A review of disease agents is included.

The department intends to release a final review on the import conditions for zoo hippopotamuses following consideration of submissions received in response to the draft report.

7.

Objective and rationale: [ ] food safety, [X] animal health, [ ] plant protection, [X] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, [ ] protect territory from other damage from pests.

8.

Is there a relevant international standard? If so, identify the standard:

[ ]        Codex Alimentarius Commission (e.g. title or serial number of Codex standard or related text):

[X]       World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) (e.g. Terrestrial or Aquatic Animal Health Code, chapter number): Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapters 2.1, 5.3, and relevant disease specific chapters.

[ ]        International Plant Protection Convention (e.g. ISPM number):

[ ]        None

Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?

[X] Yes   [ ] No

If no, describe, whenever possible, how and why it deviates from the international standard:

9.

Other relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  

10.

Proposed date of adoption (dd/mm/yy): To be advised.

Proposed date of publication (dd/mm/yy): 24 April 2024

11.

Proposed date of entry into force: [ ] Six months from date of publication, and/or (dd/mm/yy): To be advised.

[X]     Trade facilitating measure

12.

Final date for comments: [X] Sixty days from the date of circulation of the notification and/or (dd/mm/yy): 23 June 2024

Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [X] National Notification Authority, [X] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e‑mail address (if available) of other body:

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

GPO Box 858

Canberra ACT 2601

Australia

Tel: +(61) 2 6272 3933

E-mail: sps.contact@aff.gov.au

Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au

13.

Text(s) available from: [X] National Notification Authority, [X] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e‑mail address (if available) of other body:

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

GPO Box 858

Canberra ACT 2601

Australia

Tel: +(61) 2 6272 3933

E-mail: sps.contact@aff.gov.au

Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au