Date issued: 4 April 2007
This Industry Advice Notice is to seek comment on the proposed incorporation of the Export Control (Mung Beans) Orders (MBOs) into the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Orders (PPPOs).
The MBOs were enacted in 1991 to regulate the hygienic practice of mung bean production, packaging and transport. Since their enactment the MBOs have undergone only minor amendments and remain separate from the legislation that covers the export of other grains and plant products (the PPPOs).
The current MBOs do not reflect contemporary drafting or operating practices and are not consistent with other export legislation. The most efficient way to address these anomalies is to repeal the MBOs and incorporate an updated set of requirements into the PPPOs.
The proposed amendments to the PPPOs include:
- the revision of out of date terms and definitions;
- insertion of a schedule for the requirements for registered establishments for mung beans. The provisions of this schedule were previously covered by reference to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Oilseeds, Pulses and Legumes. The Code has been removed as a document incorporated by reference and instead the terms of the Code have been directly reflected in the terms of the legislation;
- the application of Approved Arrangements in place of superseded Approved Quality Assurance arrangements;
- removal of the requirement for AQIS officers to certify that mung beans are fit for human consumption and have not been adulterated or have in or upon them any substance which renders the food poisonous, harmful or otherwise injurious to health;
- insertion of a schedule formalising sampling and inspection requirements for mung beans; and
- clarification of the requirement for a valid export permit to be in force at the point of export.
AQIS is currently seeking comment from interested parties on an exposure draft of the proposed amendments. The consultation period commenced on 28 March 2007 and will close on 20 June 2007. If you require a copy of the exposure draft please contact Jillian Walsh by phone (02 6272 3787) or email.
Mike Gilbert
Program Manager
Grain and Plant Products Exports Program
Contact Officer: Jillian Walsh
Telephone: 02 6272 3787
Facsimile: 02 6272 3745