Agricultural Export Legislation – Release of the Exposure Draft Export Control Rules 2020 – tranche two.

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 tranche one of the Exposure Drafts of the Export Control Rules 2020 (the draft Rules), which included 7 commodities for consultation. We are now releasing tranche two of the draft Rules, which includes 3 draft Rules. The final draft Rules – for wood and non-prescribed goods will be released for consultation at a later date.

Tranche two includes the draft Rules:

- Exposure Draft Export Control (Animals) Rules 2020
- Exposure Draft Export Control (Rabbit and Ratite Meat and Rabbit and Ratite Meat Products) Rules 2020
- Exposure Draft Export Control (Wild Game Meat and Wild Game Meat Products) Rules 2020
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The draft Rules and supporting information can be found 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 two of the draft Rules close 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.