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(Last updated: 10 Jun 2011)
Current business situation
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the USA. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
US visa category created exclusively for Australians
The E-3 visa is available and will greatly assist companies seeking to take advantage of opportunities available under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. Further information is available.
Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement
The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) came into force on 1 January 2005. The AUSFTA is an agreement that gives Australian businesses expanded access to the world’s largest importer and investor.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations: bioterrorism regulations
See www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html
In response to the Bioterrorism Act, the FDA has issued final interim rules on the Registration of Food Facilities and Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments.
Items such as food additives, colour additives, antibiotic drugs, insulin, and most prescription drugs are subject to pre-marketing approval by the FDA. Various food items such as confectionery, dairy products, poultry, eggs, meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seafood may also be subject to requirements of other agencies. The FDA is also responsible for testing food for any poisonous or harmful substances (including levels of pesticide residues on raw agriculture goods) and regulating the quality of goods.
For Australian food exporters, the most important regulation the FDA enforces is the adherence to Bioterrorism regulations. It is very important that new exporters understand and comply with the requirements before sending any food product to the United States.
Exporters can also access the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website for further information. Australian exporters should also discuss requirements with their Austrade Export Adviser.
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