Export Certification Reform Implementation (ECRI)

Latest progress reports

Export Certification Reform Implementation (ECRI) is the implementation phase of a suite of reforms which will deliver more efficient export certification and inspection services. Based on improved Australian legislation and developed in partnership with industry, these reforms will enhance our already world-class export certification system. Priorities under ECRI include continuing to meet importing country requirements and facilitating market access to grow Australia’s $32 billion agricultural export industry.

These changes provide a strong foundation for Australia’s exporters, securing and improving market access and positioning Australia's inspection and certification processes at the forefront of export industries worldwide.

The red meat industry is the first to implement its new service delivery model under ECRI, with other Australian agricultural industries to roll out theirs in the coming months.

Australian Export Meat Inspection System (AEMIS)

The Australian Government announced on 5 September 2011 a new service delivery model for export certification for the Australian export meat industry that will cut red tape, support regional jobs and improve Australia’s export meat industry.

Known as the Australian Export Meat Inspection System (AEMIS), the new service delivery model is underpinned by a suite of legislative instruments and fees and charges which have been tabled in parliament. AEMIS will commence on 1 October 2011.

Under AEMIS, businesses will have greater flexibility in how staff are deployed when not undertaking export inspection work, good performance will be rewarded, and regulatory resources will be focussed on high risk areas.

The government is assisting Australia’s meat export industry with $25.8 million in funding to support transition to the new system and return industry to full cost recovery by 2013.

ECRI overview

The ECRI will help to:

  • reform service delivery
  • upgrade IT systems enabling better practice and improved certification outcomes
  • remove prescription and modernise export legislation
  • maintain and work to improve market access through more effective performance reporting and data management.

Joint Industry - AQIS Ministerial Taskforces (MTFs) for the dairy, fish, grain, horticulture, live animal and meat export industries have been working on projects to deliver these reforms.

The MTFs have prepared detailed work plans and are continuing to implement them.

Further information on each MTF can be located at:

New Service Delivery Arrangements for exporters

Details of the new service delivery arrangements for dairy, eggs, fish and poultry meat are provided in Service Delivery Arrangement for Export Certification of Dairy, Eggs, Fish and Poultry Meat.

The arrangements include the possibility of the introduction of:

  • Approved Auditors for dairy, fish and some meat exports.
  • Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Authorised Officers (AAOs) to inspect grain, horticulture and meat

AAOs and Approved Auditors will be trained competent persons who might potentially perform export inspection or audit functions in accordance with the Export Control Act 1982.

The revised service delivery arrangements for live animals is currently being finalised by the live animals MTF.

AQIS Authorised Officers

Proposed arrangements for AAOs for grain, horticulture and meat inspection can be found here:

Approved Auditors

The roles of approved auditors for dairy, fish and some meat exports are subject to arrangements currently being finalised between DAFF Biosecurity and State Regulatory Authorities.

Current fees and charges

Industry returned to full cost recovery on 1 July 2011. Several Ministerial Taskforces have discussed revised fees and charges that will more appropriately underpin the new service delivery models. More information regarding new fees and charges will be available once they are confirmed. 

Details of the current fees and charges for each sector are available at:

These web pages are updated regularly - please check frequently to ensure that you are fully aware of developments with ECRI and the MTFs.

Last reviewed:
08 May 2013
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