21 November 2016
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to remind exporters that to export prescribed goods, the ‘request for permit’ (RFP) must be authorised prior to sail, and that exporters must present accurate and timely export documentation to avoid delays.
Summary of key points
- The department receives many documents that require re-submission due to errors; and receives requests to authorise RFPs post sail.
- Under section 41.2 Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Order 2011 (the Order), the export of prescribed goods is prohibited unless an export permit for the goods is in force (an authorised RFP).
- Part 4 of the Order (Notice of Intention to Export) details how an exporter must present a notice of intention (raise an RFP) to export prescribed goods accurately and in sufficient time to allow for necessary inspections and issuance of the export permit and other required certificates.
- Inaccurate or late lodgement of RFPs and related consignment documents causes delays and increases administration costs.
Background
Exporters must have RFPs authorised before they export prescribed goods. The point of ‘export’ should be interpreted as the point of loading onto the vessel, or as a minimum for bulk vessels, the point the consignment leaves Australian territorial waters. The extension of the point of export for bulk vessels is aimed at reducing delays in ships departing berth. This extension does not apply to containerised consignments.
The department is aware of numerous instances where consignments (particularly containerised grain) have been exported prior to authorisation and where inspection, treatment or other export requirements have not been met prior to the goods departing.
Exporter responsibilities:
The exporter is responsible for ensuring RFPs for consignments are authorised before export.
Exporters must present accurate documentation to support authorisation of their RFPs and allow for the three-day turn around required for the department to process documents. The three-day service does not cover re-submission of documents. If the department requires re-submission of documents due to errors or incomplete information, authorisation will be delayed – re-submissions will require additional assessment in accordance with the Client Service Standards.
The Client Service Charter and Client Service Standards are published on the department’s web site.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this Industry Advice Notice please email Grain Export.
Ms Vikki Fischer
A/g Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch