Paving the way for future international trade

Australia has hosted the 26th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS26) with delegates from over 60 countries participating to develop principles and guidelines to facilitate trade in safe food.

Wrapping up for another year, CCFICS26 progressed standards that can improve the efficiency of international trade for our food industries and food safety outcomes for consumers around the world.

The Australian delegation was led by Assistant Secretary, Export Standards Branch, Dr Anna Somerville, who said she was pleased to see the guidance on remote audit and inspection agreed by the committee, and expressed her gratitude to Canada, Singapore and China for their co-chairing of the work.

“Finalising this work in such a short time frame is unprecedented and demonstrates the commitment of CCFICS to quickly address emerging issues and provide useful guidance that is needed right now to promote trade in safe food,” Dr Somerville said.

“The continued use of these remote tools will help further develop capabilities, improve efficiency and reduce regulatory burden.”

Chair of CCFICS, Nicola Hinder PSM said CCFICS is the jewel in the crown of Codex.

“It plays a vital role in aligning methods and procedures to protect the health of consumers, promote fair practices in food trade and facilitate international trade,” Ms Hinder said.

“This year the committee progressed guidance on topics including equivalence of food regulatory systems, remote audit and inspection, prevention and control of food fraud, and traceability.

“I am incredibly proud of the ongoing work CCFICS is doing to contribute to global efforts to provide safe food to people everywhere.”

To read the full report from CCFICS26, visit meeting-detail | CODEXALIMENTARIUS FAO-WHO