New export legislation
On 28 March 2021, Australia's export legislation changed.
Further information on what this means for plant exports can be found at New plant export legislation.
New website address for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
We are merging our 3 main department websites to improve the user experience and make it easier to find our information in one location.
From 18 October, all content from agriculture.gov.au and environment.gov.au websites will be moved into the new awe.gov.au website.
Simplified redirects will be in place from the old websites to the new site. It is important that you update your bookmarks and get familiar with the new navigation and layout of awe.gov.au.
Follow our social media channels to stay up to date with progress on our website transformation.
Accredited properties are covered by chapter 3 of the Export Control Act 2020 and associated Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (plant rules). Accredited properties legislation formalises the arrangements for export listing, property registration and protocol accreditations that are specified in protocol market agreements.
Protocol markets are those with a specific agreement or understanding in place between that country and Australia regarding a specific product.
Accrediting properties for protocol markets
Australia’s horticulture industry operates in a highly competitive international market.
Importing countries are increasingly requiring assurance of the integrity of Australian exports. Meeting the expectations of our trading partners is key to continuing strong global demand for our products.
In response to this demand, we accredited properties for protocol markets to:
- streamline and clarify export processes
- protect our reputation as an exporter of high-quality agricultural products (primarily due to our high standards across all stages of the supply chain, from farm to consumer)
- grow Australia’s market access by demonstrating the robust export assurance arrangements in place.
Property accreditation required
Properties, including farms and packhouses, will need to be accredited by the department, if the importing country requires the property to follow specific procedures or systems.
The circumstances where properties must be accredited under the Export Control Act 2020 and plant rules are set out in the Accredited Properties (Prescribed Plants and Plant Products) List.
Download
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
Accredited Properties (Prescribed Plant and Plant Product) List PDF  |
7 | 238 KB |
Accredited Properties (Prescribed Plant and Plant Product) List DOCX  |
7 | 631 KB |
If you have difficulty accessing these files, please visit web accessibility.
Managers of properties will need to apply to have their property accredited.
Clients should also be aware of terminology that may be used interchangeably in importing country requirements, the new legislation and departmental policies.
| Previous / Protocol agreement | Legislation / Policy |
|---|---|
| Registration | Accredited property |
| Export approval | Accredited property |
| Patch, orchard, etc. | Block |
| Grower | Farm |
| Owner/responsible party | Manager |
| Approval | Accreditation |
Important information for property managers
As the manager of a horticulture export accredited property, there are some important things you must do and know. Further information is available on the management, requirements, performance standards, and audit of horticulture export accredited properties. This factsheet steps through common situations you may encounter and what you should do.
Download
| Document | Pages | File size |
|---|---|---|
| Information for managers of accredited properties PDF |
2 | 527 KB |
| Information for managers of accredited properties DOCX |
2 | 39 KB |
Protocol export requirements
Protocol requirements may include:
- pest and disease management requirements on farm
- traceability, and packaging requirements
- Treatment and inspection requirements
Exporters are responsible for checking the export regulatory requirements.
Before you export:
- check Exporting plants and plant products: A step-by-step guide for Australian exporters
- check Manual of Importing Country Requirements, including protocols and workplans
- talk to the importing country authority if you are unsure of the import conditions.
Management and audit of accredited properties
Find out more about management and audit of horticulture export accredited properties, and the performance standards, in the Plant Export Operations Manual.
Apply for accreditation
Industry Advice Notices will call for applications to be submitted through online industry systems or as manual application forms submitted to the department prior to annual export seasons commencing.
To receive notification when applications open for export to specific markets, register for Industry Advice Notices.