Dairy products for human consumption

Second draft report: Import risk review for dairy products for human consumption

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has released the Import Risk Review for dairy products for human consumption: second draft report (the review) for a 60-day consultation period.

The first draft report for this risk review was notified to WTO Members on 9 February 2023 (G/SPS/N/AUS/561) and was published on the department's website on 31 January 2023 for a 60‑day stakeholder consultation period ending 14 April 2023.

The review aims to modernize Australia's dairy import conditions to reflect the current and future trading environment. It considers the biosecurity risks associated with importing (from any country) dairy products for human consumption manufactured from milk obtained from domestic cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. It takes into account new and relevant peer-reviewed scientific information, international standards, relevant changes in industry practices, and operational practicalities.

The department received a number of submissions on the first draft report for the import risk review for dairy products for human consumption. In consideration of these submissions and new available research, the department has made changes to the review. The department is now releasing a second draft report for consultation in order for these changes to be considered by stakeholders.

The review identified five hazards of biosecurity concern for imported dairy products. We undertook risk assessments for each and proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks.

The second draft report proposes expanded risk management options for countries not recognised by the department as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or sheep and goat pox.