IAN 26-02: Registrations open for NEXDOC Meat

25 February 2026

Date of effect: Immediate

Purpose

To advise that NEXDOC Meat is replacing EXDOC Meat from 20 April 2026 and that NEXDOC Meat registrations are now open.

This notice explains the registration steps required in NEXDOC for meat exports. It outlines what exporters, third-party software users, and AQA (RFP Validator) users must do before the transition from EXDOC.

What’s changing

Registrations are now open for NEXDOC for meat export documentation. Information can be found on NEXDOC benefits and changes
Please be advised that the department will soon transition from Online Services to the Export Service. We strongly recommend verifying your identity with myID when registering for Online Services. This will assist in a smoother transition when the time comes to register on the Export Service to connect to NEXDOC.

Registration requirements and process

To continue exporting meat or playing your role in meat export documentation after the transition, businesses must complete the relevant registrations in NEXDOC.

Online Services Account

Before registering, all users must first create an Online Services account and use it to access the NEXDOC portal. Once a user has an account, they can register an Exporter, a Client Group, be added to a Client Group or request to become an Approved Export Permit Declarant.

Exporter registration

Identifies a business as the legal owner of goods and ensures exporter details appear correctly on export documentation.
The person who registers an exporter in NEXDOC must first create an Online Services account, after which they can access the NEXDOC portal to create an exporter account. See user guide NEXDOC – Create a NEXDOC Exporter account on the NEXDOC help page.

Note: NEXDOC exporters can lodge export requests directly via the NEXDOC portal, without using third-party software. However, NEXDOC portal users must complete the entire request for export themselves and may only print certificates on their own printer or at a regional office.

Client Group registration (equivalent to EDI users in EXDOC)

Required for businesses submitting through third-party software, whether to submit/lodge/amend/authorise/print meat export documentation in NEXDOC.
Client Group registration links an organisation to NEXDOC for submissions, enables set up of third-party software, and management of users and permissions.
To register as a Client Group in NEXDOC, a company representative must first create an online services account, after which they can register the client group. See user guide How to register as a Client Group on the NEXDOC help page.

Client Group Members (individuals who use third-party software)

Any individual who will use a company’s third-party software must have an Online Services account and be a Client Group member before they can use third- party software.
Once an individual has their online services account, the Client Group administrator can add them to the Client Group.

Client Group registration

Required for businesses lodging through third-party software.

Approved Export Permit Declarant (AEPD, formerly AQA in EXDOC)

EXDOC AQA IDs used will not be carried over into NEXDOC.
If you are an active EXDOC AQA User and you will continue to authorise meat exports in NEXDOC, you must register as an Approved Export Permit Declarant (AEPD):
- First, create an Online Services account.
- If you are acting for a company that uses third-party software, have the NEXDOC Client Group Administrator add you to the Client Group.
- If you are acting for an exporter establishment that is using the NEXDOC Portal only, have the NEXDOC Exporter administrator add you as a user to the exporter registration.
- Submit an Approved Export Permit Declarant (AEPD) application form for each establishment for which you will be authorising REXs.
  Note: The department will only approve an application if you are listed in in that establishment’s Management and Control.

Note: You must be listed in Management or Control and possess an active AQA ID that is linked to the establishment(s) you submit AEPD applications for. If you are not listed, your establishment must amend their registration to have you listed in Management or Control and have it approved before your AEPD status can be activated.

More information can be found here:

Important notes

A date for transition as well as transition advice will be announced soon; please ensure you subscribe to any departmental notices to keep across the transition.
Use Chrome or Edge to access the NEXDOC portal. Internet Explorer is not supported.
Exporters who use third-party software must register both an exporter account and a client group account.
You must print NEXDOC certificates on plain paper only. Do not reproduce multiple copies. Misuse may result in detained consignments.
If you utilise third-party software, we recommend engaging with your third-party software transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. I am an exporter and I use third-party software. What do I need to do?
You must register a Client Group in NEXDOC and ensure your business is also registered as an Exporter. Client Group enables you to connect with third-party software.

Q2. I have an EXDOC AQA ID—do I still use it?
No. NEXDOC does not use AQA IDs. Each declarant must have an Online Services account, be linked to the correct organisation, and have AEPD status activated for each establishment.

Q3. I work across multiple establishments. Do I need to submit multiple AEPD forms?
Yes. You must submit a separate AEPD application for each establishment where you will make declarations.

Q4. What happens if I don’t register before go-live?
You will not be able to lodge or declare in NEXDOC until all relevant registration and validation are complete. Late registrations will be supported, but delays will likely occur.

Q5. Do I need to register if I’m already in NEXDOC for another commodity?
Yes. You must add Meat to your existing Exporter and/or Client Group registrations. If you export beef, sheep, or goat meat, you must also ensure that your meat licence and shipping mark prefix are recorded in your NEXDOC exporter registrations.

Q6. What browsers can I use for the NEXDOC Portal?
Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Q7. Will certificates look different?
Yes. Certificates will be printed on plain A4 paper and include a QR code for security. Blue security paper will no longer be used.

Q8. Can I use the NEXDOC portal instead of my software?
Yes, if you are registered as an exporter, you can lodge requests directly through the NEXDOC portal. However, please note that the portal does not include all the functionality available in third-party software. For example, features such as forwarding a Request for Export (REX) between users such as to print your certificate in your freight forwarders office are only available through integrated software solutions.

Q9. Does the department work with third-party software providers during this transition?
Yes. The department is actively engaging with all identified software vendors to ensure their systems are ready for NEXDOC Meat. We provide technical specifications, testing environments, and ongoing support to help vendors implement the required changes. However, it is important that exporters and agents also engage directly with their software provider early to confirm requirements and avoid delays.

Q10. I am an Automated Export Permit Issuer (AEPI) for another commodity (Dairy, Eggs or Fish). Do I need to register separately for AEPD for meat?
Yes. Even if you already hold AEPI status for another commodity in NEXDOC, you must submit a separate AEPD application for meat. This is because AEPD permissions are linked to specific establishments and those listed must be in Management and Control.

Support and resources

Fact sheet and further information: are available on our Meat and Meat Products Transition to NEXDOC page.

Dedicated webinar sessions that provide structured information and guidance on specific topics relating to NEXDOC: details will be published shortly.

Help guides: are available on our NEXDOC help page.

Email: NEXDOC@aff.gov.au