Australian livestock exported by sea and air freight for meat consumption are managed under a regulatory framework known as the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS). This world-leading system ensures that animals continue to be cared for even after they arrive at their destination, maintaining high welfare standards throughout the supply chain.
The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) is a globally unique welfare assurance framework that holds Australian exporters accountable for the treatment of livestock even after they are sold in overseas markets. No other country in the world has a system like ESCAS, ensuring that Australian livestock are humanely handled, transported, and processed after ownership changes.
🔹 Full Supply Chain Responsibility – Australian exporters remain responsible for their livestock until the point of slaughter in an ESCAS-approved facility.
🔹 Independent Audits – Importer facilities are independently audited by accredited international companies to meet the ESCAS standards.
🔹 Alignment with Global Welfare Standards – ESCAS is aligned with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) guidelines.
🔹 Ongoing Industry Improvements – Exporters work closely with importing markets to improve infrastructure, handling techniques, and training programs.
The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) is imperative to export welfare assurance. No other country has a comparable system that monitors livestock welfare after export. By maintaining this framework, Australia ensures:
✅ Higher animal welfare standards in importing markets.
✅ Continuous improvements through training, enforcement, and infrastructure development.
✅ A responsible, accountable supply chain that promotes best practice animal handling.
Despite comprehensive regulatory controls, challenges in some importing markets can occasionally lead to ESCAS breaches. Common reasons include:
🔹 Unauthorised movement of livestock – Animals being removed from approved supply chains by third parties in high-demand markets.
🔹 Local trading practices – Some cultures prioritise direct livestock purchases, making enforcement more challenging in certain regions.
🔹 Unapproved slaughter practices – Instances where animals are processed outside of ESCAS-approved facilities, breaching welfare and traceability requirements.
🔹 Logistical & Infrastructure Challenges – Occasional transport delays or local operational issues may result in temporary supply chain breaches.
The strength of ESCAS lies in its transparency and accountability. If a non-compliance occurs:
1️⃣ Investigation – Exporters and third parties report incidents to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, detailing the cause and impact.
2️⃣ Corrective Actions are Implemented – This may include staff training, increased supply chain controls, additional monitoring, or infrastructure improvements.
3️⃣ Regulatory Review & Enforcement – The Australian Government determines whether further regulatory actions are needed to prevent recurrence. – ESCAS investigations
Resources
📖 Learn more about ESCAS – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
🎥 Watch more about live export & welfare improvements –
