Improved agricultural export legislation

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports are an economic powerhouse for Australia. Strengthening the competitiveness and productivity of Australia's agriculture sector is a key commitment of the Australian Government.

To ensure that the export legislative framework, namely the Export Control Act 2020 (Export Control Act) and the Export Control Rules 2021, remains effective, relevant and fit for purpose, the department regularly reviews its operation and functionality. Improvements to the framework can result in changes that provide time and cost savings for exporters and administrators.

Updates to the Export Control Act 2020

Following passage of the Export Control (Streamlining Administrative Processes) Act 2023 on 4 September 2023, improvements have been made to streamline a number of administrative arrangements under the Export Control Act.

In addition to these, further improvements came into effect on 1 February 2024. These changes improve and clarify the way that information is used and shared under the Export Control Act. The changes are designed to make processes simpler for those in the export supply chain.

From 1 February 2020, the Export Control Act has:

• more effective information management provisions which simplify the circumstances in which relevant information can be used or disclosed, including with other government agencies and people engaged by the Commonwealth;
• new definitions to define what is ‘relevant information’ and ‘protected information’ and who is an ‘entrusted person’;
• new authorisations for the use and disclosure of relevant information;
• new sanctions for the unauthorised use or disclosure of protected information.

These changes improve and clarify the way that information is used and shared under the Export Control Act. The changes are designed to make processes simpler for those in the export supply chain.

These changes follow on from those that came into effect on 4 September 2023, which streamlined a number of administrative arrangements under the Export Control Act.

These amendments will ensure that the legislation remains relevant – supporting growth and innovation, while maintaining the level of regulatory oversight trading partners expect.

Keep informed

Further information on The Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (plant rules) can be found at Plant export legislation changes.

If you want to be contacted about the improved agriculture export legislation, please register you interest below.

For more information please email exportlegislation@aff.gov.au.