Export

Export certification

The NSW Food Authority previously issued export certificates to NSW food manufacturers to facilitate export trade. The Authority had carried this function over from its predecessor organisations, NSW Health and SafeFood Production NSW.

The Authority has received advice that there is no legal basis under the Food Act 2003 (NSW) for issue of export certificates by the Authority. The Australia Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) is the competent authority in Australia for provision of export certification under the Export Control Act 1982 (Cwth).

After reviewing its export certification program and discussions with AQIS officers the NSW Food Authority determined it would cease issuing export certificates from 15 December 2006. Please direct all requests for export certificates to AQIS. Please see the information below for AQIS contact details. Further information is at: www.daff.gov.au/aqis/export

To assist AQIS with the issue of Official Certificates with respect to Edible Meat for Export, the Authority is prepared to issue a standard letter of assurance to AQIS as to the performance at last audit of any meat establishments licensed and audited by the NSW Food Authority. Provision of these letters of assurance will be subject to written consent from the business concerned, approving the provision of audit outcomes to AQIS.

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS)

AQIS provides advice and assistance to existing and potential exporters of agricultural and fisheries produce on the following:

• Import conditions of destination countries for all agricultural, fisheries and forestry products, a number of conditions are available online at www.daff.gov.au including Australian Export Legislation requirements, export documentation, including export permits, health and phytosanitary certificates, Premises registration requirements, Inspection procedures and AQIS fees and charges

AQIS can also provide assistance when exporters are experiencing difficulties with their exports in relation to government health documentation or other quarantine barriers. If an issue does not come under AQIS’s jurisdiction, AQIS can refer clients to other agencies that could assist.

When you export ‘Prescribed Goods’

Under the Export Control Act 1982, there are ‘prescribed’ and ‘non-prescribed’ goods. Depending on what you want to export, the requirements you must meet will vary. Examples of prescribed goods are:

• dairy
• live animals
• fish
• plants and plant products
• eggs
• meat and meat products
• grain
• animal food (frozen raw meat)
• organic produce
• fresh fruit and vegetables
• dried fruit
• pharmaceuticals (raw animal material)

When you export ‘Non-Prescribed Goods’

Non-prescribed goods are all other goods, and provisions may apply depending on the requirements of the importing country. AQIS can assist clients with exporting non prescribed good; however fees are payable and certain information including the importing country requirements must be provided by the exporter to AQIS.

For further information please email exports@aqis.gov.au or contact AQIS in NSW

• Sydney Ph:02 8334 7444 Fax:02 8334 7555
• Free call from within Australia General free call number that will connect to nearest regional office. Phone: 1800 020 504