Agricultural Export Legislation – Release of Exposure Draft of the Export Control Bill 2019

The Australian Government has released an exposure draft of the Export Control Bill 2019 (the Bill), with the Bill itself expected to be introduced into the Australian Parliament for consideration late in 2019.The Bill consolidates export-related provisions currently within the Export Control Act 1982 and Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997 into a single Export Control Bill. Commodity-specific requirements will then be reflected in the new Export Control Rules (the rules), which will replace the current Export Control Orders without changing their intent. Initial consultation on meat, milk, eggs and fish rules has already taken place, with drafting continuing on the remaining commodity specific rules, due for release in 2020. Trading partners will be provided with an opportunity to comment on all the rules in 2020.Trading partners should be assured that existing levels of government oversight and regulatory powers will be maintained within the new legislation. Australia's ability to meet importing country requirements and international trade obligations will not be impacted as a result of these improvements.Improved export legislation provides the framework for complying with exporting requirements, creating a system that is more flexible and efficient to administer. This will ensure the continued integrity of Australia's export system and promote consistent and efficient administration across Australia's export chains.Business practices and regulatory requirements will remain consistent between the current and future legislation. The continuation of current business practices means costs for regulatory services will remain the same.Further information on the Bill is available from the Australian Department of Agriculture website at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/improving-export-legislation