The New Zealand Shellfish Regulated Control Scheme currently being developed is effectively an update of the previous Industry Agreed Implementation Standard IAIS005.1. Currently all New Zealand commercial shellfish growing areas have chosen to come under this standard, even though it is mandatory for export only.
The IAIS005.1 forms one of the base documents on which the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Programme (ASQAP) is based. Implementation of ASQAP is believed to be variable amongst the States as only those growing areas that wish to be listed for export are audited by AQIS.
Of particular note, for example, is that depuration of shellfish in tanks is practiced in Australia for shellfish from areas which New Zealand might classify as restricted due to potential for microbiological contamination. Depuration is recognised as being ineffective for virus removal from shellfish.
Likely that depurated Australian shellfish produced under ASQAP from areas not classified as remote approved or conditionally approved could present a greater potential risk to New Zealand consumers than New Zealand grown shellfish.
Clause by Clause Evaluation (NZ Animal Products Act Regime information is detailed under the equivalent heading from standard)
