Agricultural Export Legislation – Release of the Exposure Draft Export Control Rules 2020 – Tranche 3

The Australian Government is making improvements to its agricultural export legislation. A new legislative framework for Australia's agricultural exports will commence on 28 March 2021, comprising the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control Rules 2020 (the Rules).

The Rules will set out the operational details for regulating the exports of commodities. Once finalised, the Rules will replace the current legislation.

The Australian Government has already released tranches 1 and 2 of the Exposure Draft Export Control Rules 2020 (the draft Rules) for comment, which addressed 10 commodities. We are now releasing tranche 3 of the draft Rules, which includes:

- Exposure Draft Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2020;- Exposure Draft Export Control (Miscellaneous) Rules 2020.

The tranche 3 draft Rules and supporting information are available on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment's website - https://www.agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/improving-export-legislation. Submissions on the tranche 3 draft Rules close on 24 January 2021.

Tranche 1 of the draft Rules closed for comments on 5 November 2020 and tranche 2 of the draft Rules will close for comments on 8 January 2021.

The focus for consultation with stakeholders, including trading partners, is to ensure the improved legislative framework is clear and fit-for-purpose – supporting growth and innovation, while maintaining the standards our trading partners expect.

There is no change to Australia's commitment to meet the importing requirements of our trading partners, and the improved legislation will continue to meet Australia's international obligations – including those under the SPS Agreement.