1 February 2017
Purpose
To advise industry of the intended revocation of plant export Approved Arrangements (AAs) effective 31 March 2017.
Summary of changes and key points
- Approved Arrangements will cease on 31 March unless extended under exceptional circumstances
- When an Approved Arrangement is revoked, all Plant Export inspections must be conducted by an appointed Authorised Officer
- Documentation hub will not accept documentation completed under a revoked Approved Arrangement
- Exporters should ensure that a registered establishment is not using an approved arrangement from 31 March 2017 barring exceptional circumstances.
Background
Plant and plant product export legislation was amended in 2011 to remove AAs to support the transition to the Authorised Officer (AO) model. The amendments allowed AAs to operate under a transitional power until a date deemed by the secretary.
AAs still operate in Plant Exports despite the introduction of the AO model. The AO model enables better management of risks associated with the export of prescribed goods. The AO model is more robust, provides in-depth training and up to date instructional material for current practices.
In 2015, the department successfully negotiated market access for external AOs with trading partners where there is protocol market access. This has allowed all AOs to inspect goods to both protocol and non-protocol markets, removing a major deterrent for AAs to transition into the AO model. With availability of protocol job functions for all markets, there are no limitations for horticulture AAs to transition to AOs.
Plant Export Operations has made efforts in assisting the transition, however some arrangements are yet to voluntarily transition, therefore the department will ensure the transition through revocation of approvals.
The Grain and Plant Products Export Industry Consultative Committee and Horticulture Export Industry Consultative Committee have endorsed the transition to revoke plant export approved arrangements.
The department has requested submissions from AAs to provide a submission to the department relevant to a decision to revoke their AA. AAs will need to provide information relevant to their situation if they would like further time to transition (beyond 31 March 2017).
The department will continue to audit AAs as per their Process Management System audit regime until revocation.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email: Registered Establishments Plant.
Dr Chris Parker
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations