Australia’s agricultural export industries continue to grow and diversify. Many products are currently exported as non-prescribed goods under the Export Control Act 2020 (the Act). 

To ensure Australia’s export systems remain current and responsive to changing global markets, we are reforming how non-prescribed goods are regulated for export. We are proposing to introduce a new regulatory framework which will prescribe a range of currently non-prescribed goods as General Products. The proposed reforms are expected to commence in early 2027.

17 March 2023

Who does this notice affect?

All vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent international commercial vessels including cruise vessels utilising MARS offline forms to meet vessel reporting requirements.

What has changed?

The department has become aware of some reported issues with MARS offline forms when vessel masters or shipping agents are uploading them into MARS. The issue is related to utilising Adobe Reader or other PDF program reader.

17 March 2023

Who does this notice affect?

Biosecurity industry participants, such as vessel owners, operators, shipping agents and importers involved in the importation process of bulk mined and chemical (natural or synthetic) fertiliser.

17 March 2023

Attention

• All

Purpose

To advise all stakeholders that consultation on the Australian Government’s commitment to phase out live sheep exports by sea has commenced. The consultation paper and feedback form are available on the department’s Have Your Say platform until 31 May 2023.

03 March 2023

Attention

• All stakeholders

Purpose

This Export Advisory Notice (EAN) is to notify industry that the final 2022‑23 Live animal exports cost recovery implementation statement (CRIS)has been published on our website.

16/03/2023

Who does this notice affect?

First point of entry (FPOE) operators, airlines, aircraft operators, importers, brokers, and others.

What has changed?

A new determination for Norfolk Island Airport commenced on 16 March 2023, Biosecurity (First Point of Entry—Norfolk Island International Airport) Determination 2023.

21 March 2023

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise of changes to requirements for the export of citrus to New Zealand.

16 March 2023

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that applications are now open for the accreditation of farms and packhouses for fresh cucurbit species under the winter window pathway listed in the New Zealand Export Plan (Export Plan).

Summary of changes and key points

Applications are now open for the accreditation of farms and packhouses intending to export fresh cucurbits to New Zealand under the winter window pathway.

Commodities included are:

Banana freckle (Phyllosticta cavendishii) - 9 February 2023

On 9 February 2023, the National Management Group (NMG) met to consider the response to the Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) Phyllosticta cavendishii (banana freckle) in the Northern Territory.

The NMG endorsed a revised response plan to complete eradication and proof of freedom and agreed to increase the upper limit on expenditure to $5.5 million. This replaces the initial six-month response plan that NMG agreed to on 22 July 2022 after the incursion was first detected.

Date of issue: 15 March 2023

Date of effect: Immediate

Reference Number: MAA2023- 13