1 July 2026
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise plant export registered establishments (REs) and third party authorised officers (AOs) that the Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard (GSAMS) Scheme commences on 1 July 2026.
Summary of changes and key points
- From 1 July 2026, a new, voluntary standard (GSAMS) will become available to all businesses in the Australian grain industry.
- Through the adoption of the GSAMS, we expect to see increased levels of compliance with the Australian grain industry Code of Practice and greater confidence in grain storage, management and quality systems throughout the supply chain.
- From 1 July 2026, a new, voluntary scheme is available for REs adopting the GSAMS.
- Existing REs registered for grain-specific export functions and/or operations can apply directly to Grain Trade Australia (GTA) for GSAMS Scheme approval from today.
- Businesses operating solely in the domestic market can contact GTA for GSAMS approval. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry does not directly interact with these businesses.
Background
- The GSAMS scheme provides a voluntary, alternative method of demonstrating regulatory compliance with importing country and export requirements, while retaining the same level of assurance. The GSAMS scheme will increase industry accountability and reduce government intervention.
- GTA will deliver the GSAMS Scheme and the department will provide oversight. The department is committed to helping maintain Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and high-quality grain and delivering efficiencies for grain exports.
- A pilot program ran from November 2022 to April 2023 to determine the viability of the draft GSAMS in meeting regulatory outcomes. The department conducted onsite visits and virtual meetings to assess its suitability, and the results of the pilot helped to finalise the GSAMS and shape a new regulatory approach.
- See additional detail and information on the GSAMS Scheme.
Registered Establishment responsibilities
- To be approved under the GSAMS Scheme, existing REs must undertake GTA training, apply directly to GTA, pass an independent GSAMS audit conducted by GTA and maintain documented systems and processes satisfying all elements of the GSAMS.
- Once approved under the GSAMS Scheme, GTA will manage audits of REs against the GSAMS instead of departmental periodic RE audits.
- Once published, REs must follow the GSAMS Scheme guidance material.
Authorised Officer responsibilities
- Third party AO candidates who are employed or engaged by an approved RE can receive industry-led training instead of departmental face-to-face training. In this instance, AOs may be eligible to have their training fee waived.
- Third party AO candidates must complete the mandatory online eLearning and pass a competency assessment delivered by the department prior to being authorised as an AO.
- Once published, third party AO candidates must follow the GSAMS Scheme guidance material.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email Grain and Seed Exports Program or call 02 6272 3229.
Gaylene Podhajski
A/g Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch