Application for a government export certificate for non-prescribed goods

Publication details

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, November 2022

For exporters of non-prescribed goods where the importing country requires government certification. Exporters may apply for a government certificate as per section 65 the Export Control Act 2020. All applications for a government export certificate for a non-prescribed good must be made via EXDOC (certain inedible meats, wools, feathers, trophies, skins and hides), NEXDOC (certain honey markets) or using the below manual application form.

Applications must be accompanied by a completed certificate template. See the Manual of importing country requirements (Micor) to determine which certificate template is required. Please contact your regional office if you would like to confirm which certificate template is applicable to your product or to request the latest version.

A commonly required certificate is the Declaration and Certificate as to Condition (EX188, EX188B and EX188M). Read more about the Declaration and Certificate as to Condition.

Applications must also be accompanied by evidence of the importing country requirements. Evidence types are not fixed, but do need to be official. They may include:

• a Micor case
• official documentation from an importing country authority, and if certification is required what information the certificate must attest to (for example, an import permit, copy of import protocol/regulation with translation)
• link to an overseas authority webpage where importing country requirements are outlined.

If applicable you may also need to provide evidence to demonstrate you meet the importing country requirements, for example:

• a manufacturer’s declaration attesting that the relevant goods have been manufactured/treated in the manner outlined in the certificate’s endorsement
• copies of import permits, certificates from State Authorities, HACCP certification, copies of laboratory test results
• any supporting documentation as listed in the Micor case
• any other evidence requested by a departmental assessing officer to assist with their assessment.

Instructions on how to complete an application for an NPG certificate are incorporated within EXDOC and NEXDOC. Guidance on how to complete the manual application form can be found at Application for a government export certificate for non-prescribed goods example PDF.

If you are unable to source evidence that certification is required but believe you still need a certificate, the department is able to issue an unendorsed certificate. Your application will need to include why you couldn’t obtain the importing country requirements and why you need a certificate, in addition to all other application requirements being met. An unendorsed certificate is one without additional attestations specific to the product beyond it being fit for human consumption if applicable.