We regulate the export of fish and fish products as food for human consumption from Australia. This ensures that goods:
- comply with Australia’s export laws
- meet importing country requirements.
Laws and regulations
The department puts export regulations in place to assure our trading partners that Australian goods are safe to import. Complying with these regulations means that market access remains open and you are able to continue selling your product overseas!
Our export laws define:
- the 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. Consider reaching out to the Seafood Export Facilitator (SEF) for some free one-on-one assistance.
Importing country requirements
In addition to Australia’s export requirements, you must also 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 your importer
- you can also speak to our Seafood Export Facilitator (SEF) who can provide you with some one-on-one assistance.
Exporters
An ‘exporter’ is someone who exports products overseas. It is important to understand that the exporter may or may not be the final processor of the goods being exported. For fish products to be eligible for export they must be sourced from an export registered establishment that is approved by the department to prepare or store goods for export.
Exporters of fish products are required to register themselves as an ‘exporter’, to find out more see the Fish exporters web page. Once they have done this, they are able to access the department’s Next export documentation system (NEXDOC).
If you are unsure whether you need to register as an exporter or a processor then get in contact with the Seafood Export Facilitator (SEF) for some additional guidance.
New exporters
Follow our step-by-step guide to exporting fish and fish products.
Make sure you meet all requirements for fish exporters.
Export registered establishments
If you manufacture or store fish products for export, you must register your establishment. This includes:
- processors/ manufacturers
- vessels where product is packed on board for export
- storage facilities
- freight forwarders/ facilities that 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 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
Every person in the export chain should be subscribed to receive industry notices and market access advices.
We use these to inform industry of changes to:
- laws and regulations
- market access conditions, and
- operational requirements.
Resources
The department is offering a free Seafood Exporter Facilitator (SEF) service. The SEF will provide one-on-one support to existing export registered establishments as well as potential exporters that are seeking to become export registered. To find out how to contact the SEF, see the Seafood export facilitator service web page.
Other government agencies (such as Austrade) and industry bodies (such as Seafood Industry Australia) 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.