EXDOC frequently asked questions

EXDOC is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry electronic export documentation system. It allows the:

• electronic lodgement and issuance of export permits
  • health certificates
  • certificates as to condition and
  • phytosanitary certificates to enable export.

Export information can be submitted as a single transaction, or incrementally as it becomes known.

EXDOC can also obtain, on behalf of the client, an Export Declaration Number (EDN) from Australian Customs Service with one single electronic message by using the Single Electronic Window (SEW) option.

1. Select your third party software package from an registered software supplier (EDI User only)
2. Complete an EXDOC registration form
3. Wait for notification that your EXDOC registration has been processed
4. Commence testing with EXDOC to familiarise yourself with the system before being able to formally use EXDOC production (EDI only)

If you are registered with EXDOC as an Exporter you can organise for an agent to lodge RFP's with EXDOC on your behalf.

Request For Permit. The RFP is provided by the exporter and describes product, when and where it was processed, its overseas destination, and other details, for example describing consignor, consignee and transport. RFP’s contain equivalent information to that being provided to a department office in a Notice of Intention to Export (EX28 or EX222).

Electronic Data Interface (EDI User). A company that elects to submit and receive information electronically as opposed to manually. The EDI message that complies with UN EDI for Administration, Commerce and Transport (EDIFACT) is used to submit an RFP.

• dairy
• eggs 
• fish
• grain
• horticulture
• inedible meat products
• meat 
• skins and hides
• wool

There are eleven third party software packages which have been registered by the department which clients can purchase to communicate with EXDOC. EXDOC Interface Software Suppliers

EXDOC has a digital certificate to communicate with ICS so clients wishing to use SEW do not need to obtain their own digital certificate.

However in the event that SEW is unavailable the department strongly advises clients to obtain a digital certificate to communicate directly with Customs.

If EXDOC is unable to communicate with the ICS clients should consider having one of the following arrangements:

• A digital certificate to communicate directly with the ICS via EDI or the Customs Interactive website 
• Nominating an agent who has a digital certificate to communicate directly with the ICS.

If the ICS is unavailable clients will need to lodge entries manually with Customs. 

• This will need to be done in person at a Customs counter. 
• If you are a remote client who does not have direct access to a Customs counter, the department strongly advises that you nominate an agent who is able to personally lodge documentation at a Customs counter or lodge documentation via fax and email as a registered communicator with the ICS on your behalf.

For more information on SEW and CMR for exports, contact the EXDOC helpdesk.

For more information on ICS, contact the Australian Customs Service: Phone 1300 558 099, send an email or visit their website.

Meat, Skins and Hides, Wool and Inedible Meat Products: please see the department’s charging guidelines​.

Dairy: please see the department’s charging guidelines

Fish: please see the department’s charging guidelines​

Horticulture: please see the department’s charging guide​

Please seek advice from your Regional Office for current charging guidelines.

If your question has not been answered in the above information please contact the EXDOC helpdesk.