To export non-prescribed goods, you may need to have specific approvals in place before you export a consignment.
See the key steps, glossary, and links to relevant information. These will help you understand the requirements for becoming an exporter of non-prescribed goods.
Fees and charges
Fees may apply for some of these steps. The costs will vary depending on the method of export. More information on our fees is available in the Charging Guidelines.
Note you may be subject to additional fees from our approved certifiers and accreditors.
Determine importing country requirements
You should research the importing country requirements to ensure products and commodities can be accepted for import into specific overseas countries.
We maintain the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) as a resource to assist in this research, however consultation with the importer or relevant authority is also encouraged to determine their specific requirements. Austrade's Market Search Tool may also provide additional information on the market you wish to enter.
The importing country requirements depend on the good, the importing country and the end-use of the product. For some markets, there is no requirement for government assurance or certification. In these cases, there is no requirement for you to interact with us.
For organic and/or bio-dynamic goods, if there is no equivalence arrangement for the importing country listed on Micor, you may wish to contact an approved certifying body to determine if you can gain market access through private industry negotiations with the importing country’s relevant authority.
Exporting organic goods
If any of the goods intended for export (including ingredients) are to be labelled or described as organic or bio-dynamic, you must source those goods from a certified organic supplier. Each producer, processor or handler involved in organic goods must be certified by an approved certifying body to show that they comply with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce.
Establishment listing
For some markets, there are requirements beyond certification. This can include you becoming listed or undergoing audits. These requirements need to be met before exporting can proceed.
- Included in exporter listing
Audit compliance
Manufacturing/process establishments may be subject to periodic audits if they produce or process goods for export.
Request for certificates
The importing country requirements will determine the documentation needed. The non-prescribed goods team at npgexports@agriculture.gov.au can assist you in obtaining suitable certification where required.
Honey certification for certain importing countries is now available through the NEXDOC system. Additional importing countries will be transitioning moving forward. Please contact the NEXDOC helpdesk at NEXDOC@agriculture.gov.au for further information about NEXDOC certification.
Note some importing country requirements may require documentation that is not government issued.
Request organic goods certificate
If the goods are to be labelled organic (or similar), you must request an organic goods certificate per consignment from an approved certifying body.
- Certificates issued
You receive certification that demonstrates you meet the requirements of the importing country.
If you wish to export goods labelled organic or bio-dynamic (or similar), you must receive an organic goods certificate prior to exporting their consignment. Once the approved certifying body has confirmed that the goods have been certified to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce, you are manually issued an organic goods certificate.
- Consignment shipped
The consignment is outbound to its final destination.
Mitigate and follow up issues
Where an incident occurs with a consignment that has left Australia, we actively work with you to make a new plan.
Work with us to meet importing country requirements
You may contact the non-prescribed goods team at npgexports@agriculture.gov.au for support in meeting the importing country’s requirements.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Approved certifying body | A body that can undertake organic certification and inspection functions on behalf of the department. |
| Consignment | A batch of goods to be exported. |
| Equivalence arrangement (in relation to organic exports) | Arrangements entered into by countries with similar organic regulatory programs in order to facilitate trade. They are established by assessing and comparing two organic regulatory systems to determine if they are consistent. |
| Exporter | The person who is responsible for exporting the consignment. |
| Government certificate | A government document declaring that the goods meet the importing country requirements and can be imported. |
| Importer | An individual or organisation who brings a good into a country from a foreign country for trade. |
| Importing country | A country that accepts exported goods from a foreign country for trade. |
| Importing requirements | The requirements an importing country has that need to be met for exported goods to be accepted. |
| Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) | The website maintained by the department that lists the known requirements imposed by an importing country for each type of good. |
| Non-prescribed good | Goods that are not prescribed in the Export Control Act 2020 and Export Control Rules, and are not subject to most of the regulatory controls. |
| Organic goods | Goods (including their ingredients) that are described as organic, bio-dynamic, biological, ecological or any other similar description. |
| Organic goods certificate | A government certificate that states that all relevant importing country requirements relating to the organic goods (including the operations to produce ore prepare them) are met. |
| Overseas listing | A list maintained by the importing country of approved exporting entities. |
| Prescribed good | Goods that are regulated by the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control Rules. |
| Rules | Sets out the list of legislative requirements that must be met by an exporter before prescribed goods can be exported. A separate Export Control Rule exists for each type of prescribed good. |
| The department | The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry |