Imported Food

1. Imported Food Food Import Compliance Agreement FICA FBIA General Meeting July 2019

2. Imported Food Inspection Scheme • Consignments of imported food are subject to inspection and testing on arrival in Australia • 100 % inspection for risk category food - inspection rate reduces based on previous testing performance • 100 % inspection for failing food subject to a holding order • All other food is subject to 5 % surveillance inspection • Unforeseen logistics delays due to random nature of referral • Fee for service rates apply to all inspection activity July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 2

3. FICA overview • Voluntary alternative arrangement for Australian food importers • Developed to recognise food importer’s existing documented food safety management procedures • FICA importers are not subject to routine inspection and testing under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) • Importer’s food safety management system (FSMS) is assessed for compliance with FICA requirements through department audit • Does not exempt importers from biosecurity requirements July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 3

4. FICA requirements • FICA provides recognition of an importer’s existing documented Food Safety Management System (FSMS) • This means: • If you operate under a food safety system based on • ISO 22000 or HACCP • BRC, SQF or WQA • and have a suitable control and monitoring system in place • your business may already have the criteria in place to meet FICA requirements July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 4

5. FICA essential criteria • The essential criteria for a FICA includes: • manufacturer assurance requirements • food safety and compliance assessment requirements • receival procedures; on-arrival clearance process • verification requirements; periodic product testing • traceability and records management processes. • Administered through compliance agreement signed by both parties • Flexible to accommodate all types of food importing businesses July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 5

6. Manufacturer assurance • Manufacturer assurance plays a critical role under FICA • Includes assessment – is the food manufacturer capable of producing food that is safe and compliant with Australian food standards? • Minimum requirements for risk and surveillance food • Risk food: conducting audit, or reviewing certification, of each manufacturer must occur at least once every two years • Surveillance food: as per risk food above, or where this is not possible, importers must satisfy themselves that the manufacturer is capable of producing food to specification and verifying product compliance. • Where manufacturer assurance activity is less stringent greater on-arrival verification activity may be required July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 6

7. Verification requirements • Each risk food type from each manufacturer must betested • on-arrival at least once every 12 months • minimum testing for the hazards listed under the Scheme • testing must be conducted by an Appointed Analyst • Importers must document their verification/testing regime • Testing supported through individual product Food Safety Assessments • Process control – verify correct food and quantity, including assessment of suitability and product labelling compliance • Annual internal review of Food Safety and Compliance System July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 7

8. FICA approval process July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 8

9. FICA approval process July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 9

10. FICA audit regime • FICA importer is audited under the arrangement once per year • After successfully completing the initial probation period of two audits within 180 days • Audit is conducted at the primary warehouse and head office • Subsequent audit frequency is determined by previous audit performance • Critical noncompliance found at audit may lead to suspension and / or cancellation of the FICA July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 10

11. Tiered FICA • Importers have the option to enter into a tiered FICA. • A tiered FICA enables importers to select certain products to be subject to the FICA • A tiered FICA provides importers the option to list a subset of food or simply declare all foods imported under the FICA • Only foods identified under the FICA will be exempt from referral for inspection under the IFIS. July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 11

12. Alternative to border inspection - FICAs

13. Further information Detailed information is available on the department website at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/food/inspection-compliance/food-import-compliance-agreements-fica To subscribe to Imported Food email updates go to http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/import/food/notices For further information contact foodimp@agriculture.gov.au Any further questions ? Thank you July 2019 Department of Agriculture Food Import Compliance Agreement 13