27 October 2010
DAFF10/033L
Export certificates for eight commodities are now being sent electronically to China, fast-tracking Australian exports and providing an unprecedented level of security.
The electronic data exchange system, called eCert, is now in place for meat, fish, dairy, horticulture, grain, wool, skins and hides and inedible meat product exports.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said eCert ensured opportunities for fraudulent activity were significantly reduced due to the high level of system security, which is great news for exporters and the Australian government.
“eCert is just one of many reforms being delivered under the Export Certification Reform Package resulting in more efficient work practices through technological improvements,” Minister Ludwig said.
“eCert provides assurances to our trading partners, in a more timely and secure manner, that our farm produce meets their import requirements.
“I am pleased to see industry, government and trading partners working side-by-side to deliver a stronger biosecurity system.
“Our goal is for more of Australia’s trading partners to adopt eCert to maximise efficiencies for exporters and importing countries.”
eCert replaces the old paper-based system of providing export certificates, resulting in record transfer speeds. For example, China can now receive a certificate for a shipment of beef within minutes of Australia authenticating it.
eCert implementation is a key element of the Government’s $127.4 million Export Certification Reform Package. Through this program, government and export industry representatives are working in partnership to reform export certification and inspection services.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is also working to implement eCert with the United States, Japan and Hong Kong. It has already been implemented with Canada and Jordan.
For more information about eCert or the Export Certification Reform Package visit www.daff.gov.au/ecrp.
