We regulate the export of dairy products from Australia. This ensures that goods:
- comply with export laws
- meet importing country requirements.
Information directory
Our information directory for dairy manufacturers and exporters can help you navigate our available resources and find the right information for your business.
Laws and regulations
Regulation assures our trading partners that our goods are safe to import.
Our export laws define:
- types of products regulated (prescribed)
- your obligations, if you are involved in the export of regulated products.
We can help you understand your obligations under Australian export laws.
If you are a small to medium business owner, you can also check the Dairy Australia trade ready website.
Dairy Export Assurance Program
The department has received funding for three new projects aiming to reduce regulatory burden and streamlining audit arrangements in the dairy sector.
The projects are:
- Identifying the regulatory hurdles for domestic dairy manufacturers to become an approved establishment.
- Food safety in commercial assurance programs.
- Working towards reduced regulatory intervention through improved data.
This funding is the first major investment into the export sector for over a decade and reflects a one in a generation opportunity to refresh and modernise the regulation of dairy exports. The department is partnering with Dairy Australia to progress the three projects within the Dairy Exports Assurance Program.
Work on the Dairy Export Assurance Program has begun, the department will be working with stakeholders to ensure that the modernising of the export system remains fit for purpose into the future. The department will provide progress updates to industry throughout the project.
This work is part of the Australian Government’s broader Deregulation agenda, focused on reducing regulatory burden for food manufacturers with an initial focus on exporting. Deregulation will also work from the perspective of business and will co-design solutions with business and agencies across jurisdictions to identify and remove unnecessary barriers to investment. DEAP, alongside the $328.4m Busting Congestion for Exports investment provide an exciting opportunity for the department to slash unnecessary red-tape to get products to export markets faster and support jobs in rural, regional and remote Australia, and supports the government’s commitment for a $100 billion agriculture industry by 2030.
Export facilitator service
As part of the Dairy Export Assurance Program, we are offering a free export facilitator service for dairy manufacturers. If you are interested in becoming an export registered dairy manufacturer, or if you are already registered and seeking new export opportunities, our export facilitator is here to provide one-on-one assistance to help you understand the requirements.
Importing country requirements
You must meet all importing country requirements for your goods. This applies to everyone involved in the export supply chain.
Before you export:
- check our Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor)
- talk to the importing country authority through your importer.
Exporters
You are responsible for declaring prescribed goods are fit for export.
New exporters
Follow our step-by-step guide to exporting dairy products.
Regular exporters
Make sure you meet all requirements for dairy exporters.
If you also manufacture or process dairy products for export, you must also register your establishment.
Export registered establishments
If you prepare or handle prescribed dairy products for export, you must register with us. This includes:
- dairy ingredient suppliers
- freight forwarders
- manufacturers
- storage facilities
- those who store or load goods for export (excluding the wharf and airport terminal).
You are responsible for handling goods in line with export requirements. You may also generate export documents and certificates.
Read more about responsibilities of export registered establishments.
Online services and systems
You must register in our Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC) to link your name and details in export documents.
Check the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) for an updated list of export requirements from specific importing countries.
Stay informed
Check our industry notices and advices.
We use these to tell you about changes to:
- laws and regulations
- market access conditions
- operational requirements.
Resources
Other government agencies and industry bodies can also help you get export ready.
Check our list of industry resources.
Fees and charges
Our fees and charges are available in our charging guidelines.