16 March 2026
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise forest product exporters, establishment occupiers and authorised officers (AOs) of updates to instructional material for the inspection of forest products for exports.
Summary of changes and key points
- The following instructional material has been updated on the Plant Export Operations Manual
- Exports process instruction: Inspection of forest products for export
- Exports work instruction: Inspecting forest products for export.
- Updates include clarification of the requirement for:
- log sampling from bulk vessel holds to ensure greater representation of the whole consignment, particularly if the consignment is made up of logs from multiple establishments or various types
- treatment of bagged forest products and where and when this must occur
- sampling and inspecting sawn timber and other processed timber consignments
- sampling and inspecting bulk logs which have been burnt (burnt logs).
Background
We conduct regular review of export policy and relevant instructional materials to ensure they remain accurate and fit for purpose.
We have updated the exports process instruction and work instruction to provide information that directs and supports industry and AOs to understand their responsibilities and perform their roles relating to the export of forest products from Australia, to meet legislative and importing country requirements.
Authorised officer responsibilities
AOs appointed in forest product job functions (FOP3001, FOP3002 and FOP3003) should:
- read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
- comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.
Registered establishment occupier responsibilities
Occupiers of registered establishments that hold the registered operations ‘packing forest products’ and ‘inspecting forest products’ should:
- read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
- comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.
Treatment provider responsibilities
Treatment providers who treat forest products for export should:
- read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
- comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Grain and Seed Exports Program.
Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch