Australian biosecurity requirements: A Case Study of the updated biosecurity requirements for prawn imports

Many people lack a proper appreciation of Australian biosecurity requirements, mainly for imported products. The recent proposal of further biosecurity conditions for different prawn-based products provides a good case study towards a better understanding of the Australian biosecurity controls framework. In June 2023, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry completed its review of biosecurity risks for prawn imports, proposing additional biosecurity measures for imported prawns. This was due to an outbreak of white spot disease in 2017 which resulted in a determination suspending prawn imports. This article compares the proposed new biosecurity policy with existing measures, and discusses how Australian States and Territories also regulate prawn imports in conformity with the federal biosecurity controls.