Purpose
To advise exporters of plants and plant products about the entity to be invoiced for Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) fee-for-service charges relating to product inspection and documentation.
Key points
As of 1 October 2013 all fee-for-service charges relating to product inspection and documentation will be invoiced to the exporter (except empty vessel hold inspections).
Empty vessel hold inspections will be invoiced to the shipping agent.
Background
On 22 February 2013 IAN no. 2013/04 advised that “the entity or person that requests the inspection and documentation services will be invoiced fee-for-service charges”.
The application of this charging measure has led to some unintended consequences for both exporters and DAFF staff.
In response to these unintended consequences as well as feedback from exporters, agents, freight forwarders and DAFF staff, the “Plant Export Operations Charging Guidelines” will be updated for 1 October implementation.Section 4.1 will state that, “Fees for services performed by a DAFF Authorised Officer are payable by the exporter. The exception to this rule is that shipping agents will be invoiced for empty vessel hold inspections. Where more than one DAFF Authorised Officer performs a service, fees will be charged for each Officer involved in performing the service”.
The current Plant Export Operations Charging Guidelines are available on the department's website. Revised guidelines will be published for 1 October 2013 implementation.
The measures contained in the updated Plant Export Operations Charging Guidelines remain aligned with section 14 (2) of the Export Control (fees) Orders 2001.
If you have any enquiries concerning this IAN please contact your respective Program via the following feedback forms: Grain Export or Horticulture Exports Program.