Exports (Dairy Produce) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1976 No. 122, enacted under the authority of the Governor-General and the Federal Executive Council, amends the Exports (Dairy Produce) Regulations, which are subordinate legislation created under the Customs Act 1901-1975 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1973. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for more precise standards in the export of Australian semisoft part-skim cheese, ensuring consistency and quality in international trade. By specifying the water and milk fat content, the regulation aims to safeguard the integrity of Australian dairy products in overseas markets and to protect consumers by maintaining high standards for exported goods. The enactment reflects a policy objective to ensure that Australian dairy products meet stringent quality benchmarks, thereby enhancing the nation's reputation in global markets.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 122, made under the Customs Act 1901-1975 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1973, apply to the exports of Australian semisoft part-skim cheese and specify the compositional requirements for this type of cheese to ensure it meets certain standards before being exported. This regulation is part of a broader framework governing the export of dairy products and ensures that products leaving Australia comply with agreed standards, thereby maintaining quality and consistency in the international market. The scope of the regulation is limited to the dairy industry and specifically targets the composition of semisoft part-skim cheese, ensuring it contains not more than 50 parts per centum of water and not less than 45 parts per centum but less than 50 parts per centum of milk fat in the water-free substance. The regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting all entities involved in the export of the specified cheese. Subordinate instruments may further extend or restrict the application of this regulation, thereby allowing for adjustments based on industry feedback or changes in international standards.

Key Provisions

The regulation primarily amends the Exports (Dairy Produce) Regulations, specifically addressing the composition requirements for Australian semisoft part-skim cheese (Section 2, Second Schedule, Item 5). It introduces new specifications for the maximum allowable water content (not more than 50 parts per centum) and the minimum and maximum limits for milk fat content (not less than 45 parts per centum but less than 50 parts per centum of milk fat in the water-free substance). These amendments aim to ensure the quality and consistency of exported dairy products, particularly semisoft part-skim cheese, by setting precise compositional standards. The obligations imposed by this regulation on parties or entities involved in the export of dairy products, particularly semisoft part-skim cheese, include adherence to the newly specified compositional standards. Exporters must ensure that the water content in their products does not exceed 50 parts per centum and that the milk fat content in the water-free substance falls within the specified range of 45 to less than 50 parts per centum. Compliance with these standards is essential to meet the regulatory requirements and to ensure the quality of the exported dairy products. Failure to comply with the compositional standards outlined in this regulation can result in serious consequences. Offences under the Customs Act 1901-1975 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1973 may be incurred, leading to potential criminal or civil penalties. The exact penalties for breaches are not explicitly stated in the regulation, but they can include fines and other sanctions as prescribed under the respective acts. Ensuring adherence to the compositional standards is therefore crucial to avoid any legal repercussions associated with non-compliance.