What the change means for exporters of live blue mussels
Live blue mussels can no longer be imported into Thailand without special approval. Since 1 September 2026, Thailand’s Department of Fisheries has listed blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a species not permitted for live import. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) alerted Australian exporters to the change in a Market Access Advice notice issued on 7 October 2026, with immediate effect.
Key items to note
- Thailand’s updated list of species not permitted for live import took effect on 1 September 2026.
- The ban isn’t absolute. Thai importers can apply for case-by-case approval to import live blue mussels, and should contact Thailand’s Department of Fisheries about how to do so.
- Live blue mussel consignments may not be accepted at Thai border inspection.
- DAFF encourages exporters to work closely with their importer to make sure a valid import permit has been issued, dated after 1 September 2026.
- DAFF has warned that it may not be able to help release consignments detained because of the change.
Background
Thailand’s Department of Fisheries keeps three lists for live imports: species that are eligible, species that are conditionally eligible, and species that are not permitted. The restriction comes from an update to that last list, not from any change on the Australian side. Lists like these can change, so exporters of live seafood to Thailand should check them regularly. They are published by Thailand’s Aquatic Animal Import and Export Control Group.
For queries, contact DAFF at exportstandards@aff.gov.au.
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General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
