. /.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/N/AUS/74
8 September 1998
(98-3404)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES
1. Member to Agreement notifying:  AUSTRALIA
If applicable, name of local government involved:           
2. Agency responsible:   Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
3. Products covered (tariff item number(s) as specified in national schedules deposited
with the WTO.  ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable):   Live
goldfish (Carassius attratus), included under tariff item HS 0303.10.00
4. Title and number of pages of the notified document:   QON 1998/042 Title:  Certification
requirements for imported goldfish.  2 pages.
5. Description of content:  Describes the revised conditions for the importation of goldfish
into Australia.
6. Objective and rationale: Revised conditions have been applied to the importation of
goldfish in order to reduce the risk of the introduction, establishment and spread of spring
viraernia of carp to fish having a biological and/or economic asset value.  Official health
certification will be required to accompany all shipments of live goldfish.
7. Nature of the urgent problem(s):   The likelihood of introducing spring viraernia of carp
into Australia has increased with the recent recognition of this disease in Asia.
8. An international standard, guidelin e or recommendation does not exist [    ].
If an international standard, guideline or  recommendation exists, whenever possible,
identify deviations:   The OIE's International Aquatic Animal Health Code provides
recommendations.  The revised requirements are not as trade restrictive as the OIE
recommendations.
9. Relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  English
10. Date of entry into force/period of application (as applicable): The measure comes into
effect on 1 September 1998.  A risk analysis fo r ornamental fish is currently underway.  The
revised requirements for goldfish will be further assessed during this import risk analysis
process.G/SPS/N/AUS/74
Page 2
11. Texts available from/and agency or authority designated to handle comments:
National enquiry point [  X ] or address, telefax number and E-mail address (if
available) of other body:            