The Australian Government introduced a regulatory framework for the live export trade in 2011 that covers the entire supply chain in overseas marketplaces from the point livestock disembark to the point of slaughter. The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) places the responsibility on Australian exporters to maintain control of livestock and ensure measurable animal welfare outcomes in-market.

The livestock export industry has developed a portfolio of research to assist the industry to implement ESCAS and the recommendations of the Independent Review of Australia’s Livestock Export Trade, also known as the Farmer Review.

This project considered the feasibility and requirements of a risk management and quality assurance program to complement ESCAS, which includes the portfolio of research already developed by the industry and government.