Supply and sale of Hormonal Growth Promotants (HGPs)

The APVMA is responsible for the control of supply of hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) within the National HGP Control and Monitoring System managed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). The System was introduced in 1993 in response to demands by the European Union (EU) for meat and meat products from cattle not treated with HGPs.

Requirements relating to the sale and supply of HGPs

Download January 2008 information sheet ( PDF - 34KB)

It is illegal for a person (ie an individual or company) to sell or supply HGPs unless they have a valid Notification Number issued by the APVMA. To remain valid the Notification Number must be renewed annually through payment of relevant fees. An application for a Notification Number may be made to the APVMA using Notice of Intention to Supply HGPs form (KP40F15).

Also, it is illegal for a person to sell or supply HGPs unless:

• the recipient has quoted a valid Notification Number, or
• the recipient has supplied a completed a HGP Purchaser Declaration form (KP40F19).

At the time of sale or supply the supplier must complete a record of particulars prescribed by the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Code Regulations. To assist suppliers the APVMA has developed the following forms which allow retailers and importers to provide the necessary information in an easy to use and consistent format as follows:

• Registered retailers may obtain the book of forms by phoning or emailing the HGP Records Coordinator (see Contacts). The email request should state the number of books required and the HGP Notification Number of the retailer.
• Importers and manufacturers of HGPs can use the Monthly Record for Purchase and Supply of HGPs (Importer/Manufacturer) form (KP40F17).

The supplier must provide the APVMA with a copy of the records of the supply of HGPs within two weeks of the end of each calendar month. The APVMA has nominated State and Territory departments of agriculture to receive this information. Even zero transactions (ie where there have been no sales for the month) must be reported. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the Notification Number.

All records regarding the purchase and supply of HGPs are to be kept for at least two years after the date on which the last transaction was made, even though the supplier may have ceased to supply and/or purchase HGPs and has had the Notification Number withdrawn.>

The APVMA conducts regular audits of suppliers to ensure that records and the above requirements are observed.

The system is also subject to audit by EU auditors at any time. Should the auditors find deficiencies in the procedures or record keeping, Australia's trade in beef and beef products with the EU could be jeopardised. Adhering to the requirements of the National HGP Control and Monitoring System and in particular accounting for every dose of HGPs through accurate records will ensure that Australia's good trading reputation with the EU is maintained.