Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2021
made under section 432 of the
Export Control Act 2020
Compilation No. 4
Compilation date: 10 December 2025
Includes amendments: F2025L01527
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2021 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 10 December 2025 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).
Application, saving and transitional provisions
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Presentational changes
The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Chapter 1—Preliminary
Part 1—Preliminary
1‑1 Name
1‑3 Authority
1‑4 Simplified outline of this instrument
Part 2—Interpretation
Division 1—Definitions
1‑5 Definitions
1‑6 Meaning of loaded for export
Division 2—Other interpretation provisions
1‑7 Modifications of certain terms used in the Australian Poultry Meat Standard
1‑8 Circumstances in which alternative procedure, standard or other requirement is taken to meet requirements of Australian Poultry Meat Standard
Chapter 2—Exporting goods
Part 1—Goods
Division 1—Prescribed goods
2‑1 Poultry meat and poultry meat products that are prescribed goods
2‑2 Poultry meat and poultry meat products that are taken not to be prescribed goods
Division 2—Prohibited export and prescribed export conditions
2‑3 Purpose and application of this Division
2‑4 Export of prescribed poultry meat or poultry meat products is prohibited unless prescribed conditions are complied with
Part 2—Exemptions
2‑5 Application of this Part
2‑6 Period for making application for exemption
2‑7 Conditions of…
Overview
The Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2021, made under the Export Control Act 2020, address the need to regulate the export of poultry meat and poultry meat products from Australia, ensuring that these exports comply with both domestic standards and international requirements. This legislative instrument was enacted to establish a comprehensive framework for the export of poultry meat and poultry meat products, governing various aspects such as the registration of establishments, the allocation of meat inspection services, the issuance of export permits, and the application of official marks. The primary objective of these rules is to maintain the integrity, wholesomeness, and traceability of poultry meat and poultry meat products intended for export, thereby safeguarding public health and upholding Australia's reputation in the international market. The rules provide detailed provisions on the types of poultry meat and poultry meat products that are subject to export control, the conditions under which these products can be exported, and the obligations of exporters and other stakeholders in the supply chain. By setting forth specific criteria and procedures for the export process, including the humane treatment of poultry, packaging, transportation, and the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, the rules aim to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure that exported products meet the stringent standards required by importing countries.
Scope and Application
The Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2021, made under the Export Control Act 2020, sets out regulatory provisions for the export of poultry meat and poultry meat products from Australian territory. These rules apply to entities and individuals involved in the preparation, inspection, and export of poultry meat and poultry meat products, ensuring compliance with national standards and international import requirements. The rules establish a framework for the registration of establishments, allocation of meat inspection services, and issuance of export permits. They also detail specific conditions that must be met for the export of prescribed poultry meat and poultry meat products, including humane treatment of poultry, the implementation of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems, and the application of official marks and seals. Certain exceptions are provided for small quantities, goods for consumption on resources industry structures, and goods intended for use in aircraft or vessels. The rules further address the conduct of audits, the powers of authorised officers, and the management of non-compliance and enforcement actions. The rules also include provisions for exemptions, variations of arrangements, and transitional measures from previous legislation. These regulations apply across Australian territory, extending to Commonwealth waters, and are subject to further specification and modification through subordinate instruments and amendments.
Key Provisions
- The Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2021, made under the Export Control Act 2020, outline a comprehensive regulatory framework for the export of poultry meat and poultry meat products from Australia. The rules prescribe certain poultry meat and poultry meat products as prescribed goods, meaning they must not be exported unless specific conditions are met. These prescribed export conditions include meeting importing country requirements, conducting operations at registered establishments, having an approved arrangement in force, providing a notice of intention to export, and holding a valid export permit. The rules also provide for exemptions, government certificates, and registered establishments, among other provisions. Registered establishments must meet specific requirements, including having adequate equipment, facilities, and essential services, and providing amenities for Commonwealth authorised officers. Approved arrangements must ensure compliance with importing country requirements and the Australian Poultry Meat Standard. The rules mandate humane treatment of poultry, proper disposal of poultry fat, and specific procedures for dressing and post-mortem inspections. Poultry meat and poultry meat products must be transported in a manner that ensures their integrity and wholesomeness. Trade descriptions and official marks are required to be applied accurately, and there are strict rules governing the use of these marks and devices.
- The rules impose several obligations on parties involved in the export of poultry meat and poultry meat products. Registered establishments and holders of approved arrangements must ensure compliance with the Australian Poultry Meat Standard and other relevant requirements, such as verifying compliance with the Act and maintaining necessary records. Holders of approved arrangements must also take specific actions if they believe the integrity of the products cannot be ensured, such as identifying the products and notifying an authorised officer. Export operations must be carried out under the supervision of authorised officers in certain circumstances, and specific measures must be taken to prevent contamination and ensure security. Additionally, exporters and other parties must provide accurate information and declarations, and comply with all relevant requirements and prohibitions.
- Breaches of the rules can result in civil or criminal penalties. For example, exporting poultry meat or poultry meat products in contravention of the prescribed export conditions can lead to an offence and a civil penalty. Similarly, making false or misleading declarations or providing false or misleading information can result in an offence and a civil penalty. Other potential offences include altering or interfering with official marks, applying official marks to unwholesome or deteriorated products, and failing to comply with conditions of an approved arrangement or approved auditor approval. The penalties for these offences can include fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The rules also specify the retention periods for various records and the conditions under which these records must be kept. Failure to comply with these record-keeping requirements can result in an offence of strict liability.
- Area of Law
- International Trade Law
- Environmental Law
- Instrument
- Regulation
- Concepts
- Definitions & Interpretation
- Regulatory Standards
- Prohibited Conduct
- Export Control
- Record Keeping
- Official Marks
- Inspections & Assessments