Date of issue: 18 March 2022
Date of effect: April 2022
Attention
- Registered dairy exporters, manufacturers, agents, freight forwarders, and automated export permit issuers.
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - Central and Regional offices.
Purpose
To notify dairy stakeholders of upcoming changes to the way the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) handles Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) codes in the Next Export Documentation (NEXDOC) system.
Key points
From April 2022, changes will be made to the way the NEXDOC system verifies AHECC codes on a request for export (REX). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) sets AHECC codes to classify goods exported from Australia, while the Australian Border Force (ABF) manages AHECC codes in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
AHECC codes will still be required when raising a REX in NEXDOC, however the system will only check that the AHECC code provided is valid. NEXDOC will no longer check that an AHECC code matches the product or category codes. It continues to be the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that they use the correct AHECC code for the product being exported.
The department will continue to update its website with product and category code information, but it will no longer include references to AHECC codes.
If you require assistance in determining a classification, please check the ABS website or contact the ABF at aheccadvice1@abf.gov.au.
Further information
Contact DairyEggsFish@awe.gov.au if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.