16 October 2025
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise stakeholders of amendments to the Export Control Rules 2021 (the Rules), applicable to all 3 of the tariff rate quota (TRQ) rules:
- Export Control (Tariff Rate Quotas – General) Rules 2021
- Export Control (Tariff Rate Quotas – Feed Grain Export to Indonesia) Rules 2021
- Export Control (Tariff Rate Quotas – Sheepmeat and Goatmeat Export to the European Union and United Kingdom) Rules 2021.
Summary of changes and key points
- The department undertook targeted and public consultation on identified areas for improvement to the tariff rate quota rules from 4 to 29 August 2025.
- The amendments include:
- Cotton to India
- Reducing the minimum allocation amount for cotton exports to India in the General Rules Section 74J from 500 to 100 tonnes.
- The amendment of Section 74J has effect to the quota year beginning on 1 January 2026 and each year thereafter.
- The reduction in minimum allocation will support ongoing participation of new exporters by enabling the new entrant pathway to operate more efficiently.
- Auditor reporting obligation changes
- Amendments to the provision of the audit report to the Secretary by the auditor.
- The change has no impact on the actual audit process or the provision of the audit report to the auditee.
- This change means that auditors only need to give the audit report to the Secretary if requested and streamlines auditor reporting obligations across the range of export commodities.
- Cotton to India
- The amending legislation instrument commences on 16 October 2025 and is available at Export Control Legislation Amendment (Tariff Rate Quotas) Rules 2025 - Federal Register of Legislation.
Background
The Australian Government administers the TRQ system which allows for a variety of agricultural products to have reduced tariffs applied at the point of import to several countries. These are administered under the tariff rate quota rules.
The department regularly reviews the export control regulatory framework to ensure that it supports the competitiveness and productivity of Australia’s agricultural export sector. The amendments ensure that the Rules made under the Act remain fit for purpose and are updated to reflect current operational requirements.
Exporter responsibilities
Exporters should note that no action is required regarding these amendments.
These changes are aimed at improving administrative efficiency and ensuring the quota allocation process is accessible and operates effectively.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email Quota Administration Unit.
Christine Mulhearn
Assistant Secretary
Meat Exports Branch