29 August 2024
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise horticulture export accredited property stakeholders (i.e., packhouses, farms and crop monitors) and associated industry bodies that a review of the accredited properties regulatory framework (the framework) is underway.
Summary of changes and key points
- We are currently reviewing the accredited properties regulatory framework.
- We invite stakeholders to provide feedback on the framework by making a written submission via email to the Plant Export Reform Program (plantexportreform@aff.gov.au). Submissions are now open and will close on 20 December 2024.
- We aim to identify opportunities for improvement including simplifying policies, improving understanding of export regulatory requirements, reduce administrative burden and enhance compliance recognition.
- We value your insights on the current system and invite you to share your experiences, as well as suggestions for potential improvements.
- Following consultation with stakeholders, we will analyse submissions and propose recommendations and opportunities for improving the framework.
Background
Australia’s horticulture industry operates in a highly competitive international market. Importing countries increasingly require assurance of the integrity of Australian exports. Meeting the requirements of our trading partners is key to continuing strong global demand for our products.
In response to this demand, we accredit properties for protocol markets under the Export Control Act 2020 (The Act) and the Export Control (Plant and Plant Product) Rules 2021. Properties including farms and packhouses must be accredited by the department if the importing country requires the property to follow specific procedures or systems.
To ensure the export legislative framework remains effective, relevant and fit for purpose, we regularly review its operation and functionality. Improvements to the framework can result in changes that provide time and cost savings for exporters and industry.
Industry responsibilities
We invite relevant stakeholders including accredited property packhouse and farm managers, registered crop monitors and associated industry members to provide written feedback to the Plant Export Reform Program (plantexportreform@aff.gov.au) for consideration.
Points for consideration may include:
- What aspects of the current accredited property accreditation process are working well, and where do you see opportunities for improvement?
- How can the policies and procedures be streamlined to better support stakeholders?
- In what ways can we further clarify export regulatory requirements to better assist you?
- How can we make the administrative process easier and more efficient for accredited property farms, crop monitors, and packhouses?
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email the Plant Export Reform Program
Rossana Carr
Acting Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch