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Briefs

DAFF Export Assurance Reform for non-prescribed goods

DAFF Export Assurance Reform for non-prescribed goods

15 April 2026

Background

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is proposing to modernise export assurance arrangements for non‑prescribed goods. Under a proposed regulatory framework, 7 groups of non-prescribed goods will become prescribed for export, including food and beverage exports. DAFF states the reforms are needed to improve regulatory oversight and provide government assurances to support trade in a changing market environment.

The DAFF consultation on the proposed reforms has now opened. The AFGC is liaising closely with DAFF on the proposed changes and will be providing a submission to the consultation (due 8 May 2026).

What is being proposed

Key changes proposed by DAFF include requiring:

  • export permits for each consignment of general products, proposed to commence from around April 2027.
  • export licences for exporters of general products.
  • where applicable, government certificates would continue to be available.

The proposed changes introduce a new regulatory step for each export shipment (permit before export) and will require adjustments to exporter/agent processes, data provision, and lead times.

Goods already regulated under other frameworks (for example, wine and therapeutic goods) are proposed to be excluded from the general products framework. Organic goods may have overlapping requirements in some circumstances.

DAFF is proposing to introduce the export licence requirements in three tranches:

  • Tranche 1 – rendered goods, pet food, stockfeed and feed additives, skins and hides. Proposed for around July 2027.
  • Tranche 2 – honey and bee products, wool and wool grease, pharmaceutical, technical and blood products. Proposed for around April 2028.
  • Tranche 3 – food and beverages. Proposed for around April 2029.

DAFF webinars

DAFF are holding industry webinars to provide more detail about the proposed changes. You can join the webinars directly from the links below (no registration required). Please note – both sessions will cover the same material, and attendees only need to participate in one.

Webinar 1: Tuesday 21 April at 1:30pm (AEST). Join here.

Webinar 2: Thursday 23 April at 11:30am (AEST). Join here.

Member feedback

The AFGC welcomes initial feedback from members on the practical implications of the proposed changes to support our advocacy. Members are also encouraged to complete the survey to provide direct and more detailed feedback on potential impacts to your business.  

Who you can talk to

Contact Chloe.Hennessy@afgc.org.au for more information or if you wish to provide input.

Dr Duncan Craig
Director, Health, Trade and Regulatory Affairs