From 12 October, the Plant Export Management System (PEMS) will be accessed via the department’s TradeClear (previously the Export Service).
To access PEMS, you will need to create a TradeClear account, if you do not already have one. You will need to do this before 12 October 2026.
Once you create your TradeClear account, you do not need to do anything else until 12 October 2026, when the PEMS connection is live in TradeClear. Further information will be provided closer to this date.
What is TradeClear?
TradeClear is a single place where import and export customers can manage their agricultural import and export requirements and interact with the department.
Creating a TradeClear account
To create a TradeClear account, visit the TradeClear website.
Note: We recommend, where possible, you create your TradeClear account using the same email address you use to log in to your PEMS account. This will make the connection to PEMS easier.
What is changing in PEMS on 12 October 2026?
Merged PEMS accounts
For users with more than one role type in PEMS (such as Authorised Officer and Exporter Executive), these roles will be merged and accessible from a single PEMS account. You will have the ability to switch between roles rather than logging in to separate accounts to performs functions under the different role types.
Changes in terminology
To support the future transition of plant commodities from the Export Documentation System (EXDOC) to the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC), some terms will be updated within PEMS:
- Requests for Permit (RFPs) will now be known as Requests for Export (REXs).
- References to EXDOC will be replaced NEXDOC
- Electronic Data Interfaces (EDIs) that enable the use of third-party software have been replaced with Client Groups, so the EDI number is now replaced with a Client Group ID.
Past requests
You will still be able to access past Requests For Permit (RFPs) using either the RFP number or through the ‘search inspections’ function, depending on your role.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a TradeClear account?
From 12 October 2026, PEMS will be accessed through TradeClear. To continue using PEMS, each PEMS user will need a TradeClear account.
When should I create my TradeClear account?
You should create your TradeClear account as soon as possible before 12 October to ensure you are ready when PEMS becomes available through TradeClear.
I already use PEMS. Do I need to create a TradeClear account?
Yes. All external users will need a TradeClear account to access PEMS after 12 October, even if they already have a PEMS account.
I access PEMS via third-party software. What do I need to do?
Third-party software will continue to integrate with PEMS after 12 October, so there won’t be any changes to how third-party software users access and complete their inspection records.
However, you will need to create a TradeClear account to access PEMS after 12 October to perform administrative functions related to your account; for example, updating personal and contact details, paying authorised officer fees and charges, requesting authorised officer job functions, eLearning, training, assessment and authorisation.
I use a shared PEMS account. What do I need to do?
Each PEMS user must have their own TradeClear and PEMS account. Sharing of PEMS accounts is not permitted.
To create a PEMS account, see the relevant factsheet:
- Registered Establishment managers, Exporters and EDI users (PDF - 441 KB)
- Registered Establishment managers, Exporters and EDI users (DOCX - 610 KB)
- Authorised Officers (AOs) (PDF - 3.4 MB)
- Authorised Officers (AOs) (DOCX - 5.6 MB)
Records created in PEMS are viewable by all users associated with that record, including exporters, establishments, EDI users and any AO that is part of or has joined the inspection.
Exporter, EDI and Registered Establishment numbers are not unique to the individual. This means that multiple people (who have their own unique PEMS accounts) can share an Exporter number, EDI number or be associates of the same Registered Establishment and have access to the same information and records in PEMS.
Note: you must include the relevant Exporter, EDI or Registered Establishment number in your PEMS account application.
What email address should I use when creating my TradeClear account?
Where possible, use the same email address that you currently use to sign in to PEMS. This will make it easier to connect your existing PEMS account to TradeClear.
If that email address is shared by more than one person in your business, each person should first create their own PEMS account and then create their own TradeClear account using an email address only they can access.
What happens if I use a different email address?
You can still create a TradeClear account using a different email address. However, when you access PEMS after 12 October, you will need to complete a simple verification process to connect your existing PEMS account.
Can I create a TradeClear account using email only or do I need to use Digital ID?
Yes. TradeClear supports sign-in using either Digital ID or an email address. PEMS users can access PEMS using either sign-in method.
Once I create my TradeClear account, what else do I need to do?
Nothing further is required until PEMS becomes available through TradeClear on 12 October. Further information will be provided closer to the transition date.
I already have a TradeClear account. What should I do?
Continue using your existing TradeClear account. When PEMS becomes available through TradeClear, you will be able to connect your existing PEMS account.
What if I have issues accessing my PEMS account on 12 October 2026?
If there are issues with your account after 12 October, you can contact the TradeClear helpdesk on 1800 571 125 or tradeclearsupport@aff.gov.au. The team will be ready to provide support to anyone having issues.
Will my PEMS roles change?
If you currently have multiple PEMS role types, these roles will be available through a single PEMS account. You will be able to switch between roles in PEMS rather than maintaining separate accounts.
Will my previous PEMS records still be available?
Yes. Previous inspection records will remain accessible through PEMS after the transition.
Records created in PEMS remain viewable by all users associated with that record, including exporters, establishments, EDI users and any AO that is part of or has joined the inspection.
If you are an exporter, EDI user or registered establishment executive who previously had a shared email log in, and have created your own PEMS account, you will still be able to access all information and records associated to your Exporter, EDI and Registered Establishment number.
However, only the person who ‘claims’ the shared email sign in will have access to the personal information associated with that account.
Quick reminders
- Create your individual PEMS account before 12 October 2026, if you are using a shared account.
- Create your individual TradeClear account before 12 October 2026.
- Use the same email address as your PEMS account, where possible.
- Once your account is created, no further action is required until PEMS becomes available through TradeClear. More information will be provided closer to the transition.
Where can I go for further information?
For further information, email TradeClearSupport@aff.gov.au.