Agriculture Department won't get involved in row about ESCAS costs

Sarina Locke

The Federal Department of Agriculture says the costs of complying with the new animal welfare standards have nothing to do with it, or the Federal Government.

The comment is in response to a complaint by a Japanese importer, which was reviewing the import of Wagyu cattle from Australia worth one million dollars.

Elders confirmed it was dealing with the problem and the cattle haven't left Australia yet.

The Japanese company sent a letter to Meat and Livestock Australia about the cost of auditing the movement of the cattle (ESCAS).

In a statement, DAFF says: "Australian exporters are responsible for establishing their exporter supply chain assurance systems and funding arrangements, and decisions associated with their establishment of ESCAS are a commercial matter between Australian exporters and their importing country clients".

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