ASEL 3.0 changes to bring added costs for livestock exporters

New livestock shipping regulations set to be enforced in six months will pose cost implications for shippers, the State’s peak exporter body fears. The Federal Government released the latest review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock, dubbed ASEL 3.0, last week, which put forward 49 proposals for live cattle, sheep, goat and buffalo exports. Its recommendations are expected to be legislated by November 1. While some of the proposed changes outlined will have minimal impact, the technical advisory committee noted others, including a reduction in stocking densities, were “likely to have a more significant impact”. The committee acknowledged its recommendation to increase the minimum number of clear days livestock must spend in pre-export facilities would also be among potential cost implications. WA Livestock Exporters’ Association chairman John Cunnington, below, said the touted pre-export quarantine extension would be detrimental for exporters, particularly cattle shippers. “We get excellent results at the moment under the current ASEL requirements, especially with PEQ (pre-export quarantine),” he said. “Now they want to extend that, and it will come at a cost, even though the industry has a good record on short-to-medium voyages.” Under the incoming ASEL requirements, all classes of cattle travelling on short and long-haul voyages will be required to be held at the registered premises for a minimum of two clear days. Currently, only one clearing day — defined in the standard as a full day from midnight to midnight — is required. The proposed regulatory change will be irrespective of the location of the premises and the number of loading and discharge ports on the voyage. Three clear days will required for all classes of cattle travelling on extended long-haul voyages. Mr Cunnington said additional costs from increased pre-export quarantine would make it difficult for exporters to strike deals after November 1. “The department has been good in giving us six months, but it is coming in at a time where it is a start of the wet season and cattle prices are generally going up,” he said. “It is a difficult time to bring the regulations in ... and it is already to make deals in the wet due to the extreme cost of cattle in Australia. “Having these new additional costs on top will make that implementation of ASEL 3.0 difficult at that time.”