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EXDOC Developments
E-cert
UN/ CEFACT
Wool, skins and hides
Future developments
Cargo Management Re-engineering (CMR)
E-cert
E-cert is an electronic government to government system designed to generate export certificates for traded food and agricultural commodities. The system generates an electronic message in place of the current paper certificate issued by the exporting country to the importing country to confirm food safety, animal and plant health and product compliance to legislative requirements.
Australia has been actively raising awareness of the benefits of electronic systems and has commenced trials with trading partners. Trials are an essential part of the implementation process and a number of tools are available to aid importing authorities in their preparation for trials.
The following documents provide more information on E-cert. Alternatively, please contact the E-cert Administrator.
Fact sheet:
PDF [66kb] 
Word [276kb] Generic Terms of Reference:
PDF [58kb] Word [63kb] Trial checklist:
PDF [72kb] Word [32kb]Transmission protocols:
PDF [64kb] Word [273kb] General user manual:
PDF [410kb] Word [584kb]Logon application form:
PDF [37kb]UN/ CEFACT
Australia and New Zealand are leading a project team to ratify an international standard for E-cert data elements and message structure at UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business).
The standardisation of the data elements and message structure is fundamental to the success of wide spread uptake, with some countries and international forums already monitoring progress in preparation for the transition to E-cert. For more information about the ratification process please contact the Program Manager.
Wool, skins and hides
EXDOC functionality has been implemented for wool, skins and hides. Uptake has been steady but slower than expected, so following responses from exporters an Informal Post Implementation Review (IPIR) was conducted. Review findings seem to relate primarily to letter of credit issues, with clients still keen to utilise EXDOC.
Future developments
There are a number of commodity products that export permits and/or certificates are issued for that are not currently available on EXDOC. These include:
- Live animals
- Eggs
- Grocery shipments
- Halal certificates
- Honey
- Inedible meat, including pharmaceuticals, pet food and rendered product
- Organics
- Non-prescribed goods
For more information on EXDOC see Electronic Export Documentation System - Plain English
