Date of issue: 1 August 2019
Date of effect: Immediate
Attention:
- Dairy Australia
- Registered export establishments
- Registered licensed exporters and EDI users
- Department of Agriculture and Water Resources—Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To remind all exporters, EDI users and registered export establishments of the importance in providing accurate information when requesting export documentation.
Summary of Key Points
- Ensure information provided is accurate when requesting export documentation.
- Increased concern from importing country authorities with the number of replacement certificates issued.
- The department may cease issuing replacement certificates if deems necessary.
Requesting replacement certificates
Several countries have raised concerns with the department regarding the increasing number of replacement health certificates that have been issued for the export of Australian goods.
Under certain circumstances the department provides replacement certificates for amendments to export documentation, typically these amendments occur for changes in consignee, shipping details or dates of departure, that maybe outside the control of the exporter. In a number of cases replacement health certificates have also been issued for administrative errors, such as incorrect weights, description of the goods or dates of manufacturing.
The consequence for issuing ongoing replacement certificates is having a negative impact on Australia’s reputation as a provider of high quality and safe products, and for having robust systems supporting export certification.
A number of countries have indicated that they will be monitoring the increase in replacement certificates, and in some cases they may detain or reject the shipments, or subject exporters/importers to greater scrutiny, which could delay entry and impose greater costs. Several importing countries have indicated that they may refuse to accept replacement certificates and reject shipments not supported by an original health certificate.
The department will continue to monitor all requests for replacement health certificates, and in some cases may cease to provide replacement certificates for exporters, or for specific markets.
Please be aware that as an exporter you have an obligation to ensure that your application for an export permit and health certificate is accurate, compliant with export and importing country requirements, and consistent with the manufacturers declaration provided to support export eligibility. Please also be reminded that there is a $500 replacement certificate charge that the exporter is liable for when replacement certificates are issued.
If you have difficulties clearing your shipment, or have issues with the certification provided, please contact the department for advice.
If you have any queries, please contact the Dairy, Eggs and Fish exports program.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.