Date of issue: 19 March 2026
Date of effect: Immediate
Related MAAs: N/A
Attention
- Egg Exporters - Australian
- Egg Export establishments
- Exporters, AEPI and NEXDOC users
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Central and Regional offices
Purpose
This Market Access Advice provides advice to exporters on disruptions to exports of edible meat and meat products, inedible animal products (including rendered products, petfood and skins/hides), non-prescribed goods (NPGs – including honey and processed foods), certified organic and bio-dynamic goods, dairy and egg products and seafood via air and sea freight to the Middle East and ongoing management of product due to the current geopolitical situation. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry understands exporters may need assistance with consignments currently in transit to the Middle East that may require return to Australia, redirection to alternative markets where possible, or with product produced in line with Middle East market requirements that can no longer be exported to intended destinations.
General Advice
The department has received requests for assistance in redirection of products that are currently in transit or produced for export to Middle East markets. The department is working with exporters where possible to support redirection of consignments to alternative markets given the current situation.
When identifying an alternative overseas market, all exporters are encouraged to work closely with their importers and review the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) to ensure importing country requirements for product can be met. This includes reviewing any pre-export requirements that may apply or where product labelling requirements exist. The department may be able to engage with importing country authorities on requirements and to confirm acceptance of product as required.
Returned product
The department is also aware that some product may require return to Australia and has detailed advice on returned meat and meat products.
Please contact the following mailboxes if you require further assistance for returning product to Australia:
- For edible meat and meat products: returnedexportfood@aff.gov.au
- For dairy, eggs and fish products: dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au
- For inedible goods and other NPGs: NPGexports@aff.gov.au
Certificate amendment requests
Where exporters have export health certification issued for product destined to the Middle East and have identified an appropriate alternative market, an amendment of the existing certificate is required.
For edible meat and meat products, to minimise delays in issuing amended certificates, exporters are required to complete a ‘Request for Permit (RFP) amendment form’. If the reason for the amendment is related to the Middle East conflict, exporters are encouraged to include this in the justification. To obtain a RFP amendment form, please contact foodexports@aff.gov.au.
For Dairy, Eggs and fish products, a replacement certificate request will need to be submitted through NEXDOC using either the online portal or through your third-party software provider.
For inedible meat products and other NPGs please contact NPGexports@aff.gov.au for advice.
Submitting a request for assistance
If your consignment is in transit to the Middle East or has become distressed and you require assistance, please contact the following mailboxes:
- For edible meat and meat products: Foodexportdocumentation@aff.gov.au
- For dairy, eggs and fish products: dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au
- For inedible goods and other NPGs: NPGexports@aff.gov.au
Purpose of the request and include “Redirection of goods in transit to Middle East” in the email subject as well as the following details:
- If the consignment is intended for return to Australia and/or redirection to another country
- Exporter (name/company)
- Middle East importer (name/company)
- New intended importer (name/company)
- RFP, REX number and issue date
- Import permit number and issue date
- Container number
- Seal number and seal date
- Product description
- Slaughter / packing dates / manufacturing dates
- Establishment name / number
- Establishment address
- Departure Date
- Health certificate number
- Official documentation from trading partner confirming details of the detainment
- Confirmation of where the product was sourced
- Any other relevant information
Organic and bio-dynamic goods
Where exporters have organic export certification issued for a product destined to the Middle East and have identified an appropriate alternative market, an amendment of the existing certificate is required. Contact your approved organic certifying body for advice.
If you are aware that you have a consignment that is in transit to the Middle East or it has become distressed and you require assistance, please contact:
- Your approved organic certifying body, and
- The Organic Exports Program: OrganicExports@aff.gov.au
The department encourages all exporters to work with their importer to ensure that product meets the current importing country requirements.
Further information
Contact foodexportdocumentation@aff.gov.au or 1800 900 090 if you have any queries.
The information provided above 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.