2016-01 - Approved Arrangements commence 1 April 2016

​4 March 2016

Species: All livestock

Country: All

Relevant to:

1. All livestock exporters

Purpose

To advise all livestock exporters that they may apply for an approved arrangement from 1 April 2016.

Key points

1. It will compulsory for all exporters to have an approved arrangement to export livestock from 1 January 2017.
2. Guidelines (the Approved A​​rrangement Guidelines) to assist exporters in writing their arrangement are now available on the department’s website.
3. To apply, exporters will need to submit their approved arrangement and completed application form to Live Stock Exports.
4. The department will assess each arrangement in two ways comprising a desktop review and an on-site audit - both of which need to be satisfactory for the arrangement to be approved.
5. On approval, the exporter may operate under the arrangement. 

Supporting material

The department is in the process of preparing supporting material (in addition to the guidelines) to assist exporters in writing their approved arrangement and inform exporters about how livestock exports will operate under approved arrangements, including associated fees and charges.

The material includes the application form, factsheets and frequently asked questions. These will be progressively uploaded to the department’s website over the coming weeks.

A series of webinars will be hosted by LiveCorp from mid-March 2016. Information about the webinars and invitations to participate will be sent to exporters via email.

The department is also available to meet with exporters (depending on demand and availability) to discuss approved arrangements and exporters’ individual circumstances. To request a meeting or teleconference, contact the Live Animal Exports branch at Live Stock Exports.

Background

An approved arrangement is an agreement between the department and a livestock exporter that allows for a more streamlined approach to export certification. The arrangement sets out the procedures an exporter employs in its business to ensure Australian Government requirements for the certification of livestock for export are met, including:

• the Australian Standard for the Export of Livestock (ASEL);
• importing country requirements; and
• other legislative requirements.

Approved arrangements will reduce unnecessary regulations and costs for compliant exporters. It brings the export of livestock into line with other export commodities, including meat, dairy, fish and eggs.

Further Information

For further information exporters are able to contact the department by email at Live Stock Exports or by phone 02 6272 4581.

 

Narelle Clegg
Assistant Secretary
Live Animal Exports Branch
Exports Division
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

Contact officer: Jessica Edington
Phone: 02 6272 4581

Exporters that export four or less consignments and a total of 400 animals a year may apply to be exempt from Approved Arrangements.

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