The AUSVEG Export Development Team has distributed the latest Vegetable Industry Export Update, featuring news and updates that could affect exporting Australian vegetable growers.

As well as a reminder about incoming enhanced security procedures for outbound international air freight and some valuable insights into the industry’s export performance in 2017/18, this update highlights important information about new requirements for trade to Thailand.

From 25 August 2018, Australian fresh fruit and vegetable packhouses must comply with the ‘good practices’ outlined in the Thailand Ministry of Public Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) document Requirements for Production Processes, Production Equipment, Storage and Labelling of some fruit and vegetables No. 386 BE 2560.

New importers will need to meet these requirements immediately, while current importers have a 12-month transition period. All importers of fresh fruit and vegetables are obligated to meet the new requirements by 25 August 2019.

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has provided a submission to the Thailand FDA describing Australia’s food control system and demonstrating that the following industry food safety accredited schemes comply with Thailand’s ‘good practices’ requirements for packhouses:

• BRC Global Standards for Food Safety
• Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Code of Practice – Edition 4
• SQF Food Safety Code for Primary Production – Edition 8
• GLOBALG.A.P.

For more advice and analysis of about the new requirements, see the full update from the AUSVEG team, or take a look at the Department’s full Export Industry Advice Notice on its website.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 13 November 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!