Exposure Draft Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2020

We are improving Australia’s agricultural export legislation. This is part of our wider initiative to strengthen Australian agricultural exports and market access.

The improvements will:

• make the laws more relevant, responsive and efficient
• continue to provide the same level of regulatory oversight
• remove duplication
• ensure consistency across commodities where possible.

This will help exporters, foresters and other primary producers.

You can now provide feedback on the Exposure Draft Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2020.

The draft Wood Rules set out the operational details for regulating exports of wood and woodchips. Once finalised, the Wood Rules will replace current legislation. This includes the Export Control (Unprocessed Wood) Regulations, Export Control (Hardwood Wood Chips) Regulations 1996 and Export Control (Regional Forest Agreements) Regulations.

Read about how we are improving Australia's agricultural export legislation.

Previous consultation

We consulted domestically on a previous version of the draft Wood Rules. The feedback received has helped us improve the draft Wood Rules. Read an overview of the feedback received and our responses.

World Trade Organization (WTO) consultation

We are consulting domestic stakeholders and international trading partners on the draft Wood Rules.

These consultations will provide:

• domestic stakeholders with another opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Wood Rules.
• trading partners an opportunity to comment on the draft Wood Rules, consistent with Australia’s obligations under the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

How to have your say

Before you provide feedback, please read:

• Exposure Draft Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2020
• Supporting information
• Export Control Act 2020

Provide your feedback using our online form.

Submissions are open until 24 January 2021.

Background

In 2015 we reviewed agricultural export legislation. Based on the review, the government decided to improve agricultural export legislation.

The new legislative framework for Australia’s agricultural exports will commence on 28 March 2021.

It comprises the Export Control Act 2020 and Export Control Rules 2020. The Act consolidates export certificate provisions currently found in around 20 Acts and 40 legislative instruments.

The Export Control Rules 2020 will outline the operational requirements that agricultural exporters must meet to export specific commodities from Australia. They will also be based on the:

• current orders
• regulations for various commodities under the Export Control Act 1982
• Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997.

We are consulting on 12 draft Rules over 3 tranches:

• Tranche 1 includes the 7 draft Rules for eggs and egg products, fish and fish products, meat and meat products, milk and milk products, organic goods, plant and plant products, poultry meat and poultry meat products. Submission closed 5 November 2020.
• Tranche 2 includes the 3 draft Rules for animals, rabbit and ratite meat products and wild game meat products. Submissions are open until 8 January 2021.
• Tranche 3 includes the draft Miscellaneous Rules and draft Wood Rules. Submissions are open until 24 January 2021.

Once made, the Rules will give effect to the Act. The new legislation will ensure:

• exported goods meet the requirements of importing countries
• government and relevant industry standards are complied with
• goods are traceable throughout the export supply chain—from production and processing to exporting—where required
• the integrity of goods, and the accuracy of applied trade descriptions and official marks, are maintained.

Developing the new legislative framework in consultation with stakeholders will ensure it is clear and fit for purpose – supporting growth and innovation while maintaining the standards our trading partners expect.

What happens next

The new export legislation framework will commence on 28 March 2021.

Register for updates on our Improving Agricultural Export Legislation web page.