Plants, Grains and Horticulture

Cost Benefit Analysis of the Grain Export Certification Reforms: A Grain Growers Limited Report

Emeritus Professor Gordon MacAulay has prepared a cost benefit analysis of the Grain Export Certification Reforms. The report was released on 21 October 2011 and explains the benefits and costs arising from the reforms.

View the Cost Beneft Analysis Report.

The DAFF site will assist you to obtain preliminary information for exporting plant products. Should you decide to proceed to export, please contact your local AQIS office.

If you are seeking information regarding setting up a new business exporting grain, plant products or horticultural commodities we suggest you visit Austrade in the first instance before continuing through this website. Austrade can provide information to assist you in commercial decisions for international business. Austrade can provide advice, market intelligence and support to Australian companies that will reduce the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. In addition, Austrade provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities.

AQIS Authorised Officers

AQIS Authorised Officers (AAOs) are specially trained individuals who are authorised to perform specific export inspection functions in accordance with Australian export legislation. When undertaking these duties, AAOs are regarded as Australian Government officials. They may conduct a range of duties depending on the commodity and their training qualification. All AAOs are subject to rigorous verification and audit.

More information on how to apply to become an AQIS Authorised Officer.

Plant Export Operations Manual

The Plant Export Operations Manual has been prepared by DAFF and is intended to be used as instructional material for (AAOs) inspecting of plants and plant products for export.

It is intended that the manual be used as a detailed reference to support eLearning for officers, and has been constructed to be easy to use. 

Plant Export Operations Service Charter

Plant Export Operations has introduced a Service Charter to highlight our service to industry. It outlines the service standards we provide, who our clients are, what our role is, what your rights are and how you can help us improve and deliver our services. We strive to provide and maintain a high level of service by stating necessary lead times for the functions related to export certification.

Export certification for grain and plant products

If you would like to know more about export certification for barley, canola, chickpeas, dried field peas, faba beans, lentils, oats, lupins, mung beans, oats, sorghum, soybeans, split vetch, wheat and whole vetch or plant products such as flour, hay, logs, seeds, straw, woodchips and wood packaging, contact your local AQIS office. If you are a wheat exporter you will also need to fulfill the quality requirements of Wheat Exports Australia. For further information visit the Wheat Exports Australia website.

Export certification for horticulture products

If you would like to know more about export certification for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, dried fruits, nursery stock or cut flowers, contact your local AQIS office—Horticulture Exports.

Exporting plant products

The provisions of the Export Control Act (1982) (the Act) and its subordinate legislation Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Order 2011 and Export Control (Prescribed Goods—General) Order 2005 provide the legal framework for Australian exporters to export their plant products. DAFF is the agency responsible for determining if the requirements of the legislation are met.

Exporters must meet both the requirements of the Act and its subordinate legislation and any importing country quarantine requirements for DAFF to provide the necessary documentation to enable products to be exported. The Australian Government is a signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and strongly supports international cooperation in controlling pests of plants and plant products through science based quarantine measures that will prevent the unintended spread of pests to other countries through imported products.

Exporters should seek information regarding any specific quarantine requirements of the importing country from the relevant quarantine authority. For preliminary information, DAFF provides an overview of importing country quarantine requirements in MICoR Plants.

Please note that exporters must also fulfill Australian Customs requirements. For further information, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service or a freight forwarder will be able to assist you to complete the required paperwork. 

DAFF information on exporting plants and plant products from Australia includes:

Stakeholder registrations

 Plant Export Operations (Grain and Horticulture) have developed a stakeholder registration process. 

Last reviewed:
02 Dec 2011
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