DAFF - IFN : 16-2026 Changes to the inspection of imported pufferfish

Date of effect: 2 March 2028

Attention

• Importers of pufferfish (also known as fugu), brokers acting on their behalf
• Government authorities in countries exporting pufferfish to Australia.

Purpose

To advise of changes to the food safety import requirements for pufferfish under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. These changes will take effect from 2 March 2028.

Key points

• We are classifying pufferfish as risk food in the Imported Food Control Order 2019. Pufferfish (also known as fugu) includes all fish in the families Tetraodontidae and Diodontidae.
• From March 2028, a recognised foreign government certificate will be mandatory for imports of pufferfish in any form (excluding food containing pufferfish as an ingredient).
• This certification is required to provide assurance that food safety risks are being managed.
• Only a competent government authority or official body of the exporting country can apply for a government certification arrangement with the department.
• To allow time for the government certification application and negotiation process, notice is being provided before this change takes effect.

Background

• This change is in response to food safety risk advice received by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). This advice, published in Imported foods | Food Standards Australia New Zealand, states that imported pufferfish pose a medium or high risk to public health for Tetrodotoxin (TTX). The proposed changes are to manage these food safety risks.
• Further information on the proposed changes is available from the department's consultation paper on New food safety requirements for imported food.

Instructions

• Check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) for the biosecurity import conditions for pufferfish.
• All biosecurity import conditions must be met before imported food safety requirements apply.
• Learn more about how a national competent authority in an exporting country can apply for a government certificate arrangement.
• Learn more about requirements for pufferfish.
• Learn more about the requirements to import food into Australia and the rates of inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
• Find out more about lodging declarations and documentation for imported food.
• Learn more about why and how we make changes to the Imported Food Control Order 2019.

Subscribe for updates

Stay updated on changes to the requirements for imported food. Subscribe to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme Imported food notices