Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Issued by Authority of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Export Charges (Imposition—General) Act 2015

Legislative Authority

The Export Charges (Imposition—General) Act 2015 (the Act) is an Act to impose, as taxes, charges relating to the export of goods regulated under the Export Control Act 2020 (Export Control Act), so far as those charges are considered neither duties of customs nor duties of excise, and for related purposes. The Export Control Act provides the legislative framework for the regulation of goods for export from Australian territory. The Act does not set the amounts of the charges and only authorises the imposition of charges prescribed by regulations.

Section 15 of the Act provides that the Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters required or permitted by the Act to be prescribed, or necessary or convenient to be prescribed, for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.

Subsections 7(1) and 7(4) of the Act provide that regulations may prescribe a charge in relation to the export of a kind of goods covered by the Export Control Act, but only so far as that charge is considered neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution. Subsection 7(3) of the Act provides that multiple charges under subsection 7(1) may be prescribed in relation to the same kind of goods, and a single charge under subsection 7(1) may be prescribed in relation to multiple kinds of goods.

Subsections 11(1) and 11(4) of the Act provide that regulations may prescribe a charge in relation to a matter relating to the export of a kind of goods if the goods are covered by the Export Control Act or provision is made in the Export Control Act for the imposition of a charge, but only so far as that charge is considered neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution. Subsection 11(3) of the Act provides that multiple charges under subsection 11(1) may be prescribed in relation to the same matter, and a single charge under subsection 11(1) may be prescribed in relation to multiple matters.

Subsections 8(1) and 12(1) of the Act provide that regulations may prescribe a charge, for the purposes of subsections 7(1) and 11(1) respectively, by specifying an amount as the charge or by specifying the method for calculating the amount of a charge. Subsection 8(2) and 12(2) provide that, before the Governor-General may make regulations for the purposes of subsections 7(1) or 11(1), the Minister must be satisfied that the amount of the charge is set at a level that is designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in connection with the export of the goods or the matter.

For the purposes of subsections 8(2) and 12(2) of the Act, the Minister has certified that she is satisfied that the amounts of the charges in the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 (the Amendment Regulations) are set at levels designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in connection with the prescribed matters to which they relate. The financial modelling of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has confirmed that the prices of the charges in the Amendment Regulations are designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in connection with the items to which the charges relate.

Subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides that where an Act confers a power to make, grant or issue any instrument of a legislative or administrative character (including rules, regulations or by-laws) the power shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions (if any) to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend, or vary any such instrument.

Purpose

The purpose of the Amendment Regulations is to prescribe updated charges in relation to the export of goods and matters relating to the export of goods which are neither duties of customs nor duties of excise within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution.

The Amendment Regulations amend the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Regulations 2021 (the Principal Regulations) by prescribing charges that will apply from 1 July 2026 which reflect the value of existing charges that have applied since 1 July 2024. The Amendment Regulations introduce phased increases to prescribed charges over three financial years from 1 July 2027 to secure full cost recovery for export regulatory services by 1 July 2029. After the last of the phased increases, the Amendment Regulations introduce annual indexation of export charges from 1 July 2030. As part of ongoing governance of the export cost recovery arrangements, some changes are made to the structure of the charges, including the repeal of some charges, and there is a reduction in one charge. These prescribed charges are based on the department’s modelling of the costs to the department in connection with the export of kinds of goods or matters relating to the export of kinds of goods covered by the Export Control Act.

Background

The department administers the Export Control Act that is the primary means by which the Australian government regulates goods exported from Australia. In many circumstances the regulation of goods by the Australian government is a prerequisite for the acceptance of those goods by importing countries. The provisions of the Export Control Act and related legislative instruments support access to international trading markets for Australian goods and protect Australia’s global trading reputation as a reliable source of safe and high-quality goods.

Monitoring compliance with export legislation comes at a cost. The Australian Government Cost Recovery Policy states that agencies should set charges to recover some or all the costs of activities that they provide. These charges should reflect the costs of providing the activity and should generally be imposed as a fee or, where efficient, as a levy.

The regulatory framework provided by the Export Control Act supports access to international trading markets for Australian goods and protects Australia’s global trading reputation as a reliable source of safe and high-quality goods. The Australian government plays an important role in the trade of agricultural commodities as importing countries often require government-level assurances that products meet certain requirements to be accepted. In recent years, these requirements have increased in number and complexity increasing the department’s costs of delivering export regulatory services. In addition to trading partner requirements, inflationary pressures and increases to wages and supplier costs contributed to cost recovery revenue falling short of the department’s cost base, requiring supplementary appropriation funding to sustain operations.

The Amendment Regulations introduce a sustainable funding model for the department to recover costs for its export regulatory services based on financial modelling set out in the 2026-2027 Export Cost Recovery Implementation Statements (CRISs). The Amendment Regulations prescribe charges that are designed to recover no more than the department’s anticipated costs of administering and managing multiple cost recovery arrangements for export regulatory functions. The CRISs set out the anticipated costs to be recovered in delivering export regulatory activities, and the fees and charges to be applied to those activities.

Charging is undertaken under the Act and the Export Charges (Imposition—Customs) Act 2015. These Acts provide the tax legislation framework necessary to support cost recovery charges. Specific charges for export regulatory services are prescribed in the Principal Regulations, the Export Charges (Imposition—Customs) Regulations 2021 (the Customs Regulations) and the Export Control (Fees and Payments) Rules 2021 (Fees and Payments Rules).

Under the export cost recovery framework, the Customs Regulations prescribe charges in relation to the export of certain goods or matters relating to the export of certain goods covered by the Export Control Act only so far as that charge is considered duties of customs within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution. Where a charge is prescribed under both the Principal Regulations and Customs Regulations, only one charge will apply, and it will be under the regulation for which it is valid. The Fees and Payments Rules prescribe fees that may be charged in relation to specified fee-bearing activities carried out by, or on behalf of, the Commonwealth in the performance of functions or the exercise of powers under the Export Control Act. The Fees and Payments Rules also prescribe other matters in relation to charges prescribed in the Principal Regulations, including the persons liable to pay the charges and the time when charges are due and payable.

Impact and Effect

The Amendment Regulations provide for the phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services to be implemented from 1 July 2027. Price changes apply across every export arrangement, but the specific price changes for each charge point vary, depending on the department’s costs of delivering each functional activity. The Amendment Regulations also introduce a new charge related to the China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system, and repeal charges for the export of live sheep by sea from 1 July 2028 (following the phase out of the export of live sheep by sea from 1 May 2028), charges for independent observers for live animal exports, and other redundant charges related to registered establishments including applications to vary or renew the registration of an establishment.

Once the last of the prescribed stepped increases has occurred on 1 July 2029, the Amendment Regulations introduce a uniform indexation mechanism for automatic adjustments to export control charges. This mechanism, commencing on 1 July 2030, will enable the costs recovered by the department to reflect annual changes in costs due to inflationary pressures without the need to amend the legislation each year. As the department’s costs are primarily driven by employee and contractor costs, the indexation mechanism is based on the Wage Price Index.

Consultation

The department conducted targeted engagement with key stakeholders from 2024 through briefing sessions, attendance at industry consultative committee meetings, and a whole of industry briefing to share information on cost base analysis of the export arrangements. After the publication of the draft 2026-27 CRIS, the department conducted a 7-week consultation period through the Have Your Say platform on the department’s website and formal industry meetings. Feedback received through these avenues was considered by the department and the Minister and informed the development of the CRIS. The final CRIS was certified by the Secretary of the department and approved by the Minister and is available on the department’s website. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Finance and the Australian Bureau of Statistics were consulted on the changes.

Details/ Operation

The Amendment Regulations are a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003.

The Amendment Regulations commence on 1 July 2026.

Details of the Amendment Regulations are set out in Attachment A.

Other

The Amendment Regulations are compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared under section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. A full Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is set out in Attachment B.

ATTACHMENT A

Details of the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026

Section 1 – Name

This section provides that the name of the instrument is the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 (the Amendment Regulations).

Section 2 – Commencement

This section has the effect that the whole of the Amendment Regulations commences on 1 July 2026.

The note below the table provides that the table relates only to the provision of the Amendment Regulations as originally made. It would not be amended to deal with any later amendments of the Amendment Regulations. The purpose of this note is to clarify that the commencement of any amendments is not reflected in this table.

Section 3 – Authority

This section provides that the Amendment Regulations are made under the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Act 2015.

Section 4 – Schedules

This section provides for the amendment or repeal of instruments as set out in a Schedule to the Amendment Regulations. This enables the amendment of the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Regulations 2021 (the Principal Regulations).

Schedule 1 – Amendments

Export Charges (Imposition—General) Regulations 2021

Section 5 – Simplified outline of this instrument

Item 1 – Section 5

Section 5 of the Principal Regulations contains a simplified outline of the Principal Regulations. This item amends section 5 to include that the Principal Regulations include a mechanism for the indexation of charges from 1 July 2030.

Item 2 – Section 6

Section 6 of the Principal Regulations provides for definitions of relevant terms used throughout the instrument.

This item inserts definitions for the terms CIFER system, indexable charge, prescribed egg products and prescribed eggs.

CIFER system is defined to mean the China Import Food Enterprise Registration system that is administered by the Chinese Government and deals with the registration of overseas manufacturers of imported food and includes any replacement system (however described). This new term is used in new table item 5C of subsection 9(1) inserted by item [14] of this Schedule.

Indexable charge is defined to mean a charge prescribed by a provision in Part 2 or 3, which is expressed as the amount worked out under section 16A. This term is used in new section 16A that is inserted by item [66] of this Schedule.

Prescribed egg products is defined to have the meaning given by the Export Control (Eggs and Egg Products) Rules 2021 (the Egg Rules). Section 1-5 of the Egg Rules defines prescribed egg products as egg products that are prescribed goods under Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 2 of the Egg Rules.

Prescribed eggs is defined to have the meaning given by the Egg Rules. Section 1-5 of the Egg Rules defines prescribed eggs as eggs that are prescribed goods under Division 1 of Part 1 of Chapter 2 of the Egg Rules. Both prescribed eggs and prescribed egg products are used in existing provisions throughout the Principal Regulations but have not previously been defined unlike other kinds of prescribed goods which were defined.

Section 7 – Charges – prescribed livestock

Section 7 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 7(1) of the Act and provides for charges payable in relation to the export of certain prescribed livestock. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 7(1), where column 1 describes the kinds of goods and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each kind of goods depending upon whether it is exported by sea or by air.

The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide for different charges based upon the financial year that the goods were exported, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the value of those charges applying in each later financial year.

Item 3 – Section 7 (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 prescribes charges for the export of cattle, deer, buffalo or camelids (including the young of those animals).

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each animal exported in that financial year. The value of the charge for each animal exported in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The amount charged for each animal differs according to whether it is exported by sea or by air. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the export of cattle, deer, buffalo or camelids (including the young of those animals).

Item 4 – Section 7 (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 prescribes charges for the export of sheep or goats (including the young of those animals).

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each animal exported in that financial year. The amount charged for each animal differs according to whether it is exported by sea or by air. Charges for the export of these animals by sea have not been set beyond the end of the financial year commencing 1 July 2027. Charging for the export of those animals by sea will not be required in later financial years because section 23A of the Export Control Act prohibits the export from Australian territory of sheep by sea on and after 1 May 2028.

The value of the charge for each animal exported by air in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the export of sheep or goats (including the young of those animals).

Section 8 – Charges – plants and plant products

Section 8 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 7(1) of the Act and provides for charges payable in relation to the export of certain prescribed plants and prescribed plant products, including horticultural products. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 8(1), where column 1 describes the kinds of goods and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each kind of goods. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide for different charges based upon the financial year that the goods were exported, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the value of those charges applying in each later financial year.

Item 5 – Subsection 8(1) (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 prescribes charges for horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 8(2) applies. Subsection 8(2) provides that, for the purposes of item 1, the subsection applies to a market for a particular horticultural product if:

a phytosanitary certificate for the product is required for the product to be imported into the market from Australian territory; and
significant other conditions are imposed on the importation of the product into the market from Australian territory.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each tonne or part of a tonne exported in that financial year. The value of the charge for each tonne or part of a tonne exported in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the export of horticultural products to which subsection 8(2) applies.

Item 6 – Subsection 8(1) (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 prescribes charges for horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 8(3) applies. Subsection 8(3) provides that, for the purposes of item 2, the subsection applies to a market for a particular horticultural product if no significant conditions are imposed on the importation of the product into the market from Australian territory.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each tonne or part of a tonne exported in that financial year. The value of the charge for each tonne or part of a tonne exported in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the export of horticultural products to which subsection 8(3) applies.

Item 7 – Subsection 8(1) (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 prescribes charges for prescribed plants or prescribed plant products not covered by table items 1 or 2.

This item repeals the cell at table item 3, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026. The value of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2026 reflects a lower amount than that which applied from the financial year starting on 1 July 2024, to ensure that only the Commonwealth’s likely costs are recovered in relation to this activity. The value of the charge for each tonne or part of a tonne exported in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the export of plants or plant products other than those covered by table items 1 or 2.

Section 9 – Charges – registered establishments

Section 9 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides for charges payable by the occupiers of registered establishments. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 9(1), where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 8 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 in the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment for holding and assembling livestock for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide for different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the value of those charges applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each registration in force during all or part of that financial year. The value of the charge for each registration in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or each later financial year is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment for holding and assembling prescribed livestock for export.

Item 9 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations, prescribes a charge for a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for operations associated with the preparation of horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 9(2) applies, being a market for a particular horticultural product if a phytosanitary certificate for the product is required for it to be imported into the market from Australian territory and significant other conditions are imposed on the importation.

The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increase incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the value of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is equal to half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of this charge being an amount equal to half of the amount specified for a registration in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for each registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The amount of the charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in that financial year, is an amount that is equal to half of that indexed amount.

These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by item 4) for operations associated with the preparation of horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 9(2) applies.

Item 10 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 2A, column 2)

Table item 2A in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for operations to load unpacked quantities of grain into a bulk vessel for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of this charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or a later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in that financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for operations to load unpacked quantities of grain into a bulk vessel for export.

Item 11 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations provides the charge for a registered establishment for operations associated with the preparation of horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 9(3) applies, being a market for a particular horticultural product if no significant conditions are imposed on the importation of the product into the market from Australian territory. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in that relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for operations associated with the preparation of horticultural products for export to a market to which subsection 9(3) applies.

Item 12 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 3A, column 2)

Table item 3A in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations, prescribes a charge for a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for operations associated with the preparation of prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products) for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 3A, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by table item 4) for export operations for the preparation or prescribed plants or plant products (other than horticultural products) for export.

Item 13 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 4, column 2)

Table item 4 in subsection 9(1) prescribes a charge for a registered establishment that is a small horticultural products registered establishment for a financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 4, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a registration that is in force during all or part of that financial year. The amount of the charge for a registration in force during all or part of the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment that is a small horticultural products registered establishment.

A small horticultural products registered establishment is defined in section 6 of the Principal Regulations, together with sections 1-6 and 1-8 of the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021 (the Plants Rules), by reference to the total amount of horticultural products in relation to which export operations are to be carried out at the registered establishment in the financial year. In addition, the occupier of the registered establishment must be the grower of the relevant horticultural products and must not be the occupier of another registered establishment in the financial year (see section 1-8 of the Plants Rules).

Item 14 – Subsection 9(1) (table item 5)

Table item 5 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment for the slaughter or dressing of an animal (other than poultry) for export; the production, preparation, storage or handling of casing for export; or the storage, handling or transportation of prescribed meat or prescribed meat products for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increasing incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals table item 5 and substitutes new table items 5, 5A and 5B which provide for different charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a registration that is in force during any part of a calendar month for that financial year. The amount of the charge for a relevant registration in force during any part of a calendar month in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule).

This item creates new table items that provide for different charges that apply to the following which were previously covered by the same charge:

a registered establishment for the slaughter or dressing of an animal (other than poultry) for export (table item 5);
a registered establishment for the production, preparation, storage or handling of casings for export (table item 5A); and
a registered establishment for the storage, handling or transportation of prescribed meat or prescribed meat products for export (table item 5B).

This item also inserts new table item 5C, which provides for a charge for a registered establishment covered by item 5, 5A or 5B of the table in subsection 9(1) where any of the following circumstances apply to the establishment:

a request has been made by the establishment to the Department or to the relevant authority in China for registration in the CIFER system that has not yet been decided, and the occupier of the establishment has not notified the Department that it has withdrawn that request;
the establishment is registered under the CIFER system, and the occupier of the establishment has not notified the Department that it has submitted a request to withdraw that registration; or
the establishment’s registration under the CIFER system is currently suspended by the relevant authority in China, and the occupier of the establishment has not notified the Department that it has submitted a request to withdraw that registration.

The charge prescribed in table item 5C applies in addition to any relevant registered establishment charge that is payable under item 5, 5A or 5B of the table. The purpose of the charge is to recover specific costs involved with the work the Department provides in relation to the facilitation and management of CIFER listings with relevant registered establishments.

The charge prescribed by table item 5C provides for different charges by financial year, starting from 1 July 2027 and then increasing in two stepped increases until the financial year starting on 1 July 2029. The amount of this charge in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 or a later financial year, is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule).

These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the relevant registered establishments prescribed in table items 5, 5A, 5B and 5C.

Item 15 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 6, column 2)

Table item 6 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment for the slaughter or dressing of poultry, further processing or boning to prepare prescribed meat or prescribed meat products for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 6, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a registration that is in force during any part of a calendar month for that financial year. The amount of the charge for a registration in force during any part of a calendar month in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount worked out in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment for the slaughter or dressing of poultry, further processing or boning to prepare prescribed meat or meat products for export.

Item 16 – Subsection 9(1) (table item 7)

Table item 7 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribed a charge for a registered establishment for operations carried out in relation to prescribed meat or prescribed meat products, prescribed wild game meat or prescribed wild game meat products under a State or Territory inspection and audit arrangement. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different monthly charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals table item 7 from subsection 9(1). There are no longer any relevant registered establishments for operations carried out in relation to prescribed meat or prescribed meat products, prescribed wild game meat or prescribed wild game meat products under a State or Territory inspection and audit arrangement. On this basis, it is not necessary to provide for future charging for such establishments.

A State or Territory inspection and audit arrangement is defined in section 6 of the Principal Regulations, together with section 1-5 of the Export Control (Meat and Meat Product) Rules 2021 (Meat Rules) and Export Control (Wild Game Meat and Wild Game Meat Products) Rules 2021 (Wild Game Meat Rules), to mean, broadly, an arrangement between the Secretary and the relevant State or Territory body that provides for the inspection of meat and meat products in relation to which export operations are carried out at a registered establishment in that State or Territory and the audit of those export operations.

Item 17 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 8, column 2)

Table item 8 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment for storage of prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export. The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year, one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is an amount equal to half of the charge for a registration that is in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that same financial year.

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in that relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment for the storage of prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export.

Item 18 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 9, column 2)

Table item 9 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by item 8) for operations to process or pack prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export, and that exported less than 2,000 tonnes of prescribed milk or prescribed milk products in the financial year ending immediately before the financial year to which the charge relates and are either owned by a corporation or owned by, or part of, a co-operative.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provide different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024 and future years. The charges prescribed in column 2 also currently provide for each financial year one charge for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the amount of the charge for a registration that is in force before 1 January, for an establishment that is first registered after 1 January of that same financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 9, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to these registered establishments.

Item 19 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 10, column 2)

Table item 10 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment (other than an establishment covered by item 8) for operations to process or pack prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export, and that exported 2,000 tonnes or more of prescribed milk or prescribed milk products in the financial year ending immediately before the financial year to which the charge relates and are either owned by a corporation or owned by, or part of, a co-operative.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for a registration that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that was first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 10, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to these registered establishments.

Item 20 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 11, column 2)

Table item 11 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment that is a vessel that is registered to prepare prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for processing at another establishment before export or a land-based establishment that is registered solely for the preparation of live prescribed fish for export.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for a registration that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the amount of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that was first registered after 1 January in that relevant financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 11, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to these registered establishments.

Item 21 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 12, column 2)

Table item 12 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment that is a vessel (other than a vessel covered by table item 11) that is registered for export operations in relation to prescribed fish or prescribed fish products or a land-based establishment that is registered to prepare prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 12, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to these registered establishments.

Item 22 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 13, column 2)

Table item 13 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment that is registered for the storage of prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for export.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for a registration that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is half of the amount of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that was first registered after 1 January in that relevant financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 13, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment that is registered for the storage of prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for export.

Item 23 – Subsection 9(1) (cell at table item 14, column 2)

Table item 14 in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes a charge for a registered establishment that is associated with the preparation of prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products for export.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the registration was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for a registration that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is an amount equal to half of the charge for a registration in force before 1 January, for an establishment that was first registered after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 14, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an establishment first registered after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for a registration that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for a registration in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an establishment first registered after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a registered establishment that is associated with the preparation of prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products for export.

Item 24 – Paragraph 9(5)(b)

The purpose of current subsection 9(5) of the Principal Regulations is to prevent registered establishments that fall into multiple related categories in the table in subsection 9(1) from having to pay multiple charges for registration. This reflects the current intention that the charges are for cost recovery and thus should not exceed what is required for the recuperation of costs incurred by the department.

This item omits the words ‘5, 6 and 7’ and substitutes ‘5, 5A, 5B and 6’ in paragraph 9(5)(b) of the Principal Regulations. The effect of this amendment is that, if a charge is payable in relation to a registered establishment under two or more of items 5, 5A, 5B and 6 of the table in subsection 9(1), then whichever charge in relation to the registered establishment is the higher or highest of the amounts for those items, is the charge payable. This amendment is consequential to the insertion of amended and new items 5, 5A, 5B and 5C and repeal of item 7 from the table in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations (see items [14] and [16] above).

Item 25 – At the end of subsection 9(5)

This item inserts a new note at the end of subsection 9(5) of the Principal Regulations. The purpose of the new note is to clarify that a charge prescribed by item 5C of the table in subsection 9(1) applies in addition to a charge prescribed by item 5, 5A or 5B in that table. Item 5C, as inserted by item [14] of this Schedule, provides for a new charge for certain registered establishments related to registrations with the China Import Food Enterprise Registration system (see item [14] above).

Item 26 – At the end of section 9

This item adds a new subsection at the end of section 9 of the Principal Regulations and a corresponding note.

New subsection 9(6) provides that, for the purposes of working out the amount of a charge under subparagraph (e)(ii) of column 2 of items 2 to 3A and 8 to 14 of the table in subsection 9(1), the charge is to be worked out to 2 decimal places (rounding up if the third decimal place is 5 or more). The note in this item clarifies that the relevant rounding of a charge under subparagraph (e)(ii) of column 2 of an item mentioned in subsection 9(1) is dealt with in subsection 16A(2), which provides for indexation of charges.

This new subsection is designed to ensure that the Department recovers no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to each of the prices in section 9 once indexation applies to charges from 1 July 2030.

Section 10 – Charges – slaughtering or dressing of animals at a registered establishment

Section 10 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides the charges that are payable in relation to the slaughtering or dressing of certain animals. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 10(1), where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 27 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of calves at the establishment.

The charges currently prescribed in column 2 provided for different volume-based monthly charges, by financial year, based upon the number of animals slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in the previous calendar month, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each calf slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of calves at a registered establishment.

Item 28 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of deer (including wild game deer) at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each deer slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of deer at a registered establishment.

Item 29 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of emus or ostriches at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 3, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each emu or ostrich slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of emus or ostriches at a registered establishment.

Item 30 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 4, column 2)

Table item 4 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of kangaroos or wild boars at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 4, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each kangaroo or wild boar slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of kangaroos or wild boars at a registered establishment.

Item 31 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 5, column 2)

Table item 5 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of pigs at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 5, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each pig slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of pigs at a registered establishment.

Item 32 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 6, column 2)

Table item 6 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of rabbits, possums or hares at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 6, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each rabbit, possum or hare slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of rabbits, possums or hares at a registered establishment.

Item 33 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 7, column 2)

Table item 7 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of sheep, goats or lambs at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 7, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each sheep, goat or lamb slaughtered or dressed at the establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of sheep, goats or lambs at a registered establishment.

Item 34 – Subsection 10(1) (cell at table item 8, column 2)

Table item 8 in subsection 10(1) of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a registered establishment for the slaughtering or dressing of bulls, cows, steers, heifers, buffalos, camels, donkeys, horses or any other animals not covered by another item in the table at section 10(1) of the Principal Regulations, at the establishment.

This item repeals the cell at table item 8, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each bull, cow, steer, heifer, buffalo, camel, donkey, horse or other animal not covered by another item in the table at section 10(1) that is slaughtered or dressed at an establishment in a relevant calendar month. The amount of the charge in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the slaughter and dressing of bulls, cows, steers, heifers, buffalos, camels, donkeys, horses or any other animals not covered by another item in the table at section 10(1) at a registered establishment.

Item 35 – Subsection 10(4) (note)

The note under subsection 10(4) of the Principal Regulations clarifies that item 1 of the table in subsection 10(1) covers the young of deer, sheep, bulls, cows, steers, heifers, buffalos, camels and calves of other animals. This item omits the text “animals..” and substitutes “animals.”. The purpose of this change is to rectify a previous typographical error and has no substantive effect.

Section 11 – Charges – applications

Section 11 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides the charges that are payable in relation to applications made under sections 111, 116, 120 or 150 of the Export Control Act. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 11, where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 36 – Section 11 (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare horticultural products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications to register an establishment for operations to prepare horticultural products for export.

Item 37 – Section 11 (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products) for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products) for export.

Item 38 – Section 11 (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed meat or prescribed meat products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 3, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed meat or prescribed meat products for export.

Item 39 – Section 11 (cell at table item 4, column 2)

Table item 4 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 4, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for an application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed milk or prescribed milk products for export.

Item 40 – Section 11 (cell at table item 5, column 2)

Table item 5 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 5, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed fish or prescribed fish products for export.

Item 41 – Section 11 (cell at table item 6, column 2)

Table item 6 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products for export.

This item repeals the cell at table item 6, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 111 of the Export Control Act to register an establishment for operations to prepare prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products for export.

Item 42 – Section 11 (table items 7 to 18)

Table items 7 to 18 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations provided for charges that applied in relation to specific applications under either section 116 or 120 of the Export Control Act in relation to specific prescribed commodities.

This item removes table items 7 to 18 as these charges are no longer required. Instead, the administrative costs associated with ongoing management of existing registrations (including varying and renewing those registrations) are included in the monthly or annual charge (as applicable) prescribed in section 9 of the Principal Regulations for each month or financial year that the registration is in force (see items 8 to 26 of Part 1 of this Schedule above). This amendment helps to ensure that the Department does not recover more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in connection with the relevant applications.

Item 43 – Section 11 (cell at table item 19, column 2)

Table item 19 in section 11 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person making an application under section 150 of the Export Control Act to approve a proposed arrangement for organic goods certification operations.

This item repeals the cell at table item 19, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a relevant application made in that financial year. The amount of the charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to applications under section 150 of the Export Control Act to approve a proposed arrangement for organic goods certification operations.

Section 12 – Charges – approved arrangements

Section 12 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and prescribes the charges that are payable in relation to the development and management of approved arrangements. The charges are listed in the table in subsection 12, where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 44 – Section 12

Item 44 amends section 12 of the Principal Regulations to insert, before the opening words of the section, a new subsection number to accommodate the insertion of new subsection 12(2) at the end of the section (see item [47] below).

Item 45 – Section 12 (table items 1 and 2)

Table items 1 and 2 in section 12 of the Principal Regulations prescribe charges for the development and management of an approved arrangement for operations to prepare prescribed livestock for export by the holder of a livestock export licence. The amount of the charge differed depending on whether the approved arrangement is for export operations by sea (item 1) or by air (item 2).

In certain circumstances, an approved arrangement may seek approval for export operations by both air and sea. Where this occurs, the Department’s intention is that only the higher of the two charge points (being item 1 for export operations by sea) will apply, not both charges for export operations by sea and export operations by air.

This item repeals table items 1 and 2 and substitutes new table items 1 and 2. New table item 1 contains an amended description in column 1 clarifying that the charges relate to the development and management of an approved arrangement for operations by the holder of a livestock export licence to prepare prescribed livestock for export by sea (including where the approved arrangement covers operations to prepare prescribed livestock for export by air). This clarifies that the charge applies where an approved arrangement has approved operations to prepare livestock for export by sea and by both sea and air.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which an application was made, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for an approval that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is an amount equal to half of the charge for an approval in force before 1 January, for an approved arrangement that was first approved after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

The amended text in column 2 of this item substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029 for:

an approved arrangement that was in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an arrangement that is first approved after 1 January in that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for an approved arrangement that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for an approved arrangement in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for the arrangement first approved after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount.

This amended item ensures that the charges for the development and management of an approved arrangement for operations to prepare prescribed livestock for export by sea or by sea and air are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to those arrangements.

Consequential to the amendment to table item 1, this item also amends the description in column 1 of table item 2 to clarify that the charges relate to the development and management of an approved arrangement for operations by the holder of a livestock export licence to prepare prescribed livestock for export only by air. The amended description ensures that the charges in new table item 2 could not also be applied where the holder of a livestock export licence conducts operations to prepare livestock for export by both sea and air.

The charges prescribed in column 2 of table item 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the approved arrangement was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge where an arrangement is first approved after 1 January in that relevant financial year an approval that is in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is an amount equal to half of the charge for an approved arrangement in force on or before 1 January, for an arrangement that is first approved after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

an approved arrangement that was in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an arrangement that is first approved after 1 January of that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for an approved arrangement that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge for an approved arrangement in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an arrangement first approved after 1 January in the relevant financial year is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount.

This amended item ensures that the charges for the development and management of an approved arrangement for operations to prepare prescribed livestock for export only by air are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to those arrangements.

Item 46 – Section 12 (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 in section 12 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charges payable by a person in relation to the development and management of an approved arrangement for organic goods certification operations.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which an approved arrangement was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges prescribed in column 2 also provided for each financial year one charge for an arrangement that was in force on or before 1 January of the relevant financial year and an alternative charge which is an amount that is equal to half of the charge for an arrangement in force before 1 January, for an arrangement that was first approved after 1 January of that relevant financial year.

an approved arrangement that was in force on or before 1 January of that financial year; or
an arrangement that is first approved after 1 January in that financial year, with the amount of the charge being an amount equal to half of the amount of the charge specified for an approved arrangement that is in force on or before 1 January of that financial year.

The amount of the charge where an approved arrangement was in force on or before 1 January in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). The charge for an arrangement first approved after 1 January in those relevant financial years is an amount equal to half of that indexed amount. These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the development and management of an approved arrangement for organic goods certification operations.

Item 47 – At the end of section 12

This item adds a new subsection at the end of section 12 of the Principal Regulations.

New subsection 12(2) provides that, for the purposes of working out the amount of a charge under subparagraph (e)(ii) of column 2 of an item in the table in subsection 12(1), the charge is to be worked out to 2 decimal places (rounding up if the third decimal place is 5 or more). The note in this item clarifies that the relevant rounding of a charge under subparagraph (e)(i) of column 2 of an item mentioned in subsection 12(1) is dealt with in subsection 16A(2), which provides for indexation of charges.

This new subsection is designed to ensure that the Department recovers no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to each of the prices in section 12 once indexation applies to charges from 1 July 2030.

Section 13 – Charges – livestock export licences and meat export licences

Section 13 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides the charges that are payable in relation to livestock export licences and meat export licences. The charges are listed in the table in section 13, where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 48 – Section 13 (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 in section 13 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by an exporter holding a livestock export licence where the exporter has been granted an exemption under paragraph 54(1)(a) of the Export Control Act, on the basis of the circumstance referred to in paragraph 52(1)(b), (c) or (d) of that Act, from the condition prescribed by the Animals Rules that prescribed livestock covered by the licence must be prepared for export in accordance with an approved arrangement.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which a livestock export licence was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a licence in force during all or part of that financial year. The amount of the charge for a licence in force during all or part of the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the relevant livestock export licence.

Item 49 – Section 13 (table item 2, column 1)

Table item 2 in section 13 of the Principal Regulations provides for charges for a meat export licence, other than a meat export licence held by the occupier of a registered establishment referred to in column 1 of item 5, 6 or 7 in the table in subsection 9(1).

This item omits the words “item 5, 6 or 7” and substitutes “item 5, 5A, 5B or 6” from the charge description. This amendment is consequential to the insertion of new items 5, 5A and 5B and the repeal of item 7 from the table in subsection 9(1) of the Principal Regulations (see items [14] and [16] of this Schedule).

Item 50 – Section 13 (cell at table item 2, column 2)

The charges prescribed in column 2 of table item 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which a meat export licence was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a licence that was in force during all or part of that financial year. The amount of the charge for a licence in force during all or part of the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the relevant meat export licences.

Section 14 – Charges – export documents

Section 14 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides the charges that are payable in relation to the issue of various export documents. The charges are listed in the table in section 14, where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 51 – Section 14 (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 prescribes the charge payable by a person for the issue of an export permit (other than the holder of a livestock export licence) for:

prescribed livestock;
prescribed live animals; or
prescribed animal reproductive material.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which an export permit was issued from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for an export permit issued in that financial year. The amount of the charge for an export permit issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the issue of an export permit to a person (other than the holder of a livestock export licence) for prescribed livestock, prescribed live animals, or prescribed animal reproductive material.

Item 52 – Section 14 (table item 2, column 1)

Table item 2 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charges payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document for horticultural products.

This item inserts the words “(other than a tariff rate quota certificate)” to the description in column 1 of the item. This has the effect of clarifying that an export document referred to in this item does not include the issue of a tariff rate quota certificate.

This amendment is consequential to the substitution of new table item 8 which provides the charge for the issue of a tariff rate quota certificate for horticulture products and prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (see item [61] of this Schedule below).

Item 53 – Section 14 (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) for horticultural products.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which the export document was issued, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) issued electronically in that financial year. The amount of the charge for each export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the issue of an export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) for horticultural products.

Item 54 – Section 14 (table item 2A, column 1)

Table item 2A in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable for the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products).

The amendment is consequential to the substitution of new table item 8 which provides the charge for the issue of a tariff rate quota certificate for horticulture products and prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (see item [61] of this Schedule below).

Item 55 – Section 14 (cell at table item 2A, column 2)

Table item 2A in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) for prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products).

The charges prescribed in column 2 currently provide different charges based upon the financial year during which an export document was issued, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2A, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) issued electronically in that financial year. The amount of the charge for each export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year, is calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of an export document (other than a tariff rate quota certificate) for prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products).

Item 56 – Section 14 (cell at table item 3, column 2)

Table item 3 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed meat or prescribed meat products.

This item repeals the cell at table item 3, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document issued in that financial year. The amount of the charge for each export document issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed meat or prescribed meat products.

Item 57 – Section 14 (cell at table item 4, column 2)

Table item 4 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed milk or prescribed milk products.

This item repeals the cell at table item 4, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document issued electronically in that financial year. The amount of the charge for an export document issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed milk or prescribed milk products.

Item 58 – Section 14 (cell at table item 5, column 2)

Table item 5 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed fish or prescribed fish products.

This item repeals the cell at table item 5, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document issued electronically in that financial year. The amount of the charge for an export document issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed fish or prescribed fish products.

Item 59 – Section 14 (cell at table item 6, column 2)

Table item 6 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products.

This item repeals the cell at table item 6, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each export document issued electronically in that financial year. The amount of the charge for an export document issued in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of an export document for prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products.

Item 60 – Section 14 (cell at table item 7, column 2)

Table item 7 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the issue of a government certificate in relation to goods, other than goods covered by items 1 to 6 of the table at section 14 of the Principal Regulations.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which an export document was issued, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year. The charges in column 2 also differentiate between export documents issued for goods in which the Department carries out regular assessments in relation to the goods for the purpose of assisting the Secretary to decide whether to issue a government certificate in relation to the goods under Division 3 of Part 3 of Chapter 2 of the Export Control Act, and export documents issued for goods in any other case.

This item repeals the cell at table item 7, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each government certificate issued in that financial year. The new charges retain the differentiation between government certificates issued for goods in which the Department carries out regular assessments in relation to the goods for the purpose of assisting the Secretary to decide whether to issue a government certificate in relation to the goods under Division 3 of Part 3 of Chapter 2 of the Export Control Act, and export documents issued for goods in any other case. The amount of the relevant charges in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule).

These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the issue of a government certificate in relation to goods, other than goods covered by items 1 to 6 of the table at section 14 of the Principal Regulations.

Item 61 – Section 14 (table item 8)

Table item 8 in section 14 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a person for the electronic issue of a tariff rate quota certificate in relation to goods, other than prescribed meat, prescribed meat products, prescribed milk or prescribed milk products.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which a tariff rate quota certificate was issued, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 8, column 2 and substitutes three new table items providing for charges for the issue of a tariff rate quota certificate in relation to horticulture products, prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (new table item 8), prescribed livestock, (new table item 9) and goods other than those covered by item 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9 in the table (new table item 10). The charges are for the financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for each tariff rate quota certificate issued in that financial year (varying depending on the commodity to which the new table item relates). The amount of the charge in these three new table items for the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to the electronic issue of a tariff rate quota certificate in relation to the relevant kinds of goods.

Item 62 – Section 14 (note)

Section 14 of the Principal Regulations contains a note which provides that the electronic issue of a tariff rate quota certificate for the export of prescribed meat or prescribed meat products or prescribed milk or prescribed milk products is covered by item 3 or 4 (see the definition of export document in section 6 of the Principal Regulations). This item omits the text “Note” and substitutes the words “Note 1”. This amendment is consequential to the insertion of a new note to section 14 (see item [63] below).

Item 63 – At the end of section 14

This item inserts a new “Note 2” at the end of section 14 of the Principal Regulations to clarify that the electronic issue of a tariff rate quota certificate for the export of prescribed fish or prescribed fish products or prescribed eggs or prescribed egg products is covered by item 5 or 6 of the table in section 14 (see the definition of export document in section 6 of the Principal Regulations).

Section 15 – Charges – third party authorised officers: horticultural products, prescribed plants or prescribed plant products

Section 15 of the Principal Regulations is made for the purposes of subsection 11(1) of the Act and provides the charges that are payable by a third party authorised officer for each financial year or part of a financial year in which their third-party authorisation is in force. The charges are listed in the table in section 15, where column 1 describes the matter to which the charge applies and column 2 describes the corresponding charges that apply for each matter.

Item 64 – Section 15 (cell at table item 1, column 2)

Table item 1 in section 15 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a third party authorised officer who may exercise powers or perform functions in relation to the export of horticultural products.

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided for different charges based upon the financial year during which a third party authorisation was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 1, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a third-party authorisation in force during all or part of the financial year. The amount of the charge for a third-party authorisation in force in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to a third-party authorised officer who may exercise powers or perform functions in relation to the export of horticultural products.

Item 65 – Section 15 (cell at table item 2, column 2)

Table item 2 in section 15 of the Principal Regulations prescribes the charge payable by a third party authorised officer who may exercise powers or perform functions in relation to the export of prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products).

The charges prescribed in column 2 provided different charges based upon the financial year during which a third party authorisation was in force, from the financial year starting 1 July 2021 and increased incrementally for a further three financial years until the financial year starting 1 July 2024, with the final amount of the charge applying in each later financial year.

This item repeals the cell at table item 2, column 2 and substitutes new charges by financial year, starting 1 July 2026 with prices remaining at 1 July 2024 levels and then increasing in three stepped increases until the financial year starting 1 July 2029, for a third-party authorisation in force during all or part of the relevant financial year. The amount of the charge for a third-party authorisation in force in the financial year starting on 1 July 2030 and each later financial year is an amount calculated in accordance with the indexation formula prescribed in subsection 16A(1) (as inserted by item [66] of this Schedule). These amended amounts are set at a level designed to recover no more than the Commonwealth’s likely costs in relation to an authorisation for a third-party officer who may exercise powers or perform functions in relation to the export of prescribed plants or prescribed plant products (other than horticultural products).

New Part 3A – Indexation of charges

Item 66 – After Part 3

Item 66 inserts a new Part 3A after Part 3 of the Principal Regulations.

New Part 3A contains a new section 16A that provides a mechanism for the indexation of relevant charges set out in the Principal Regulations, commencing from 1 July 2030.

New subsection 16A(1) specifies that for the purposes of subsections 8(1) and 12(1) of the Act, on each indexation day, the amount of an indexable charge becomes the amount worked out using the following formula: the dollar amount of the charge prescribed in relation to the financial year starting on 1 July 2029 multiplied by the indexation factor for the indexation day.

The new provision contains several defined terms which include the following:

indexation day which means 1 July 2030 and each later 1 July;
indexation factor which means the number worked out using the formula in subsection (3) – that is the index number for the reference quarter divided by the index number for the base quarter;
base quarter which means the December quarter starting on 1 October 2028;
December quarter which means a period of 3 months starting on 1 October and ending on 31 December;
index number which means for a quarter, the Wage Price Index (being the total hourly rates of pay excluding bonuses/all sectors/all Australia/original) number published by the Australian Statistician for that quarter;
reference quarter which means the last December quarter before the indexation day.

New subsection 16A(2) provides that the amount worked out under subsection 16A(1) (the indexation formula) should be rounded to the nearest cent (rounding 0.005 cents upwards).

New subsection 16A(3) provides that the indexation factor for an indexation day is the number worked out using the prescribed formula. The formula provides that the index number for the reference quarter (that is WPI number for the December quarter immediately before the indexation day) divided by the index number for the base quarter (that is the WPI number for the December quarter starting on 1 October 2028).

New subsection 16A(4) provides that the indexation factor (that is the amount calculated using the formula above in new subsection 16A(3)) is to be worked out to 3 decimal places (rounding up if the fourth decimal place is 5 or more).

New subsection 16A(5) provides that an indexation factor that is less than 1 is to be increased to 1. This has effect of ensuring that the value of the charges never decreases as a result of the formula prescribed in new subsection 16A(1).

Part 4 – Application, saving and transitional provisions

Item 67 – Part 4 (heading)

This item repeals the existing heading for Part 4 titled “Transitional provisions” and substitutes the heading “Application, saving and transitional provisions”. This amendment is consequential to the insertion of a new saving provision (see item [69] below).

Item 68 – Before section 17

This item inserts a new subheading before section 17 of the Principal Regulations which creates a new Division 1 containing the existing transitional provision for the commencement of the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Regulations 2021.

Item 69 – At the end of Part 4

This item inserts a new Division 2 dealing with the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026. New section 18 provides for a savings provision that specifies that the Principal Regulations, as in force immediately before 1 July 2026, continues to apply on and after that day in relation to a financial year starting before that day. This provision ensures that charges relating to previous financial years would still be payable on or after commencement despite the repeal of the charges relating to those previous financial years. For example, if a person was liable to pay a charge for the financial year starting on 1 July 2025, the charge would remain payable on or after commencement of the Amendment Regulations, despite the repeal of the charges related to the financial year starting on 1 July 2025.

ATTACHMENT B

STATEMENT OF COMPATIBILITY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

The purpose of the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026 (the Amendment Regulations) is to amend the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Regulations 2021 (the Principal Regulations) to prescribe updated charges in relation to the export of goods and matters relating to the export of goods, which are neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise within the meaning of section 55 of the Constitution. The updated charges are to support the transition to full cost recovery over three financial years from the financial year starting on 1 July 2027 which will support the Department’s delivery of export regulatory services.

The Amendment Regulations are made under the Export Charges (Imposition—General) Act 2015. The Act does not set the amounts of the charges and only authorises the imposition of charges prescribed in regulations.

The export of certain goods is managed under the Export Control Act 2020 (the Export Control Act). The Export Control Act and other supporting legislation provide the basis for ensuring exports of meat, seafood, dairy, plants, live animals and other kinds of goods meet the requirements of importing countries.

Human rights implications

This Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

Conclusion

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.

The Hon. Julie Collins MP

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Administered by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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