Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations (Amendment)

Legislation au C1964L00043 Regulations Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPORTS (DRIED FRUITS) REGULATIONS.

 

Statutory Rules 1964, No. 43.(a)

 

Second Schedule—items 37, 38 and 39.

The Second Schedule to the Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations is amended by omitting items 37, 38 and 39 and inserting in their stead the following items:—

“37.

Prunes—Fancy Quality.

1. The prunes shall consist of sound, full bodied fruit of excellent texture and shall be of uniformly good, dark colour.

1. The trade description shall include the following particulars set out on the outer container—

2. The prunes shall be classified into one of the classifications set out in the next succeeding paragraph.

(a) the words “Fancy Quality”;

(b) where the moisture content of the prunes—

3. For the purposes of the last preceding paragraph, each of the following counts per pound weight is a classification of prunes:—

(i) does not exceed 22 per centum—the words “Dry Pack”; or

20/30, 30/40, 40/50, 50/60,

(ii) exceeds 22 per centum—the word or words “Dessert” or “Moist Pack”; and

60/70, 70/80, 80/90, 90/100,

20/50, 50/70 and 70/90.

4. Prunes of one variety and one classification only shall be packed in a container.

(c) the date of packing.

5. The moisture content of the prunes shall not exceed 37 per centum in the case of prunes derived from dried D’Agen plums or 35 per centum in the case of prunes derived from dried plums of other varieties.

2. The trade description shall include the following particulars set out, where there is more than one container, on both the immediate container and the outer container—

(a) the variety of the prunes;

6. Where the moisture content of the prunes exceed 22 per centum, the prunes shall be packed in hermetically sealed containers or in such other type of container as the Secretary approves.

(b) in the case of prunes classified as 20/50, 50/70 or 70/90, the words or word “Extra Large”, “Large” or “Medium” respectively; and

(c) in the case of any other prunes—the classification of the prunes, the prescribed description of the prunes or the classification and the prescribed description of the prunes.

3. For the purposes of the last preceding paragraph, the prescribed description of the prunes is—

(a) in the case of prunes classified as 20/30, 30/40 or 40/50—“Extra Large”;

(b) in the case of prunes classified as 50/60 or 60/70—“Large”;

(a) Made under the Customs Act 1901–1963 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905–1950 on 12 March, 1964; notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 19 March, 1964.


 

 

(c) in the case of prunes classified as 70/80 or 80/90—“Medium” ; and

(d) in the case of prunes classified as 90/100—“Small”.

“38.

Prunes—Choice Quality.

1.—(1.) The prunes shall consist of sound fruit of good texture and shall be of an average, dark colour.

1. The trade description shall include the following particulars set out on the outer container—

(a) the words “Choice Quality”;

(2.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-paragraph, the prunes shall consist of sound or full bodied fruit.

(b) where the moisture content of the prunes—

(3.) Where a prune is of such a size that one pound of prunes of a like size would contain more than 100 prunes, the prune shall be full bodied.

(i) does not exceed 22 per centum—the words “Dry Pack”; or

2. The prunes shall comply with the conditions and classifications specified in paragraph 6 in the second column of item 37.

(ii) exceeds 22 per centum — the word or words “Dessert” or “Moist Pack”; and

(c) the date of packing.

3. Prunes of one variety and one classification only shall be packed in a container.

2. The trade description shall include the following particulars set out, where there is more than one container, on both the immediate container and the outer container—

4. The prunes shall be classified into one of the classifications set out in the next succeeding paragraph.

(a) the variety of the prunes;

5. For the purposes of the last preceding paragraph, each of the following counts per pound weight is a classification of prunes:—

(b) in the case of prunes classified as 20/50, 50/70, 70/90 or 90/120 the words or word “Extra Large”, “Large”, “Medium” or “Small”, respectively; and

20/30, 30/40, 40/50, 50/60, 60/70, 70/80, 80/90, 90/100, 100/120, 20/50, 50/70, 70/90 and 90/120.

(c) in the case of any other prunes—the classification of the prunes, the prescribed description of the prunes or the classification and the prescribed description of the prunes.

6. The moisture content of the prunes shall not exceed 33 per centum.

3. For the purposes of the last preceding paragraph, the prescribed description of the prunes is—

(a) in the case of prunes classified as 20/30, 30/40 or 40/50—“Extra Large”;

(b) in the case of prunes classified as 50/60 or 60/70—“Large”;

(c) in the case of prunes classified as 70/80 or 80/90—“Medium”; and

(d) in the case of prunes classified as 90/100 or 100/120—“Small”.”

 

Overview

The Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations 1964 were enacted to standardise the export of dried fruits, specifically prunes, from Australia. This legislation was created to address the need for clear and consistent quality standards and trade descriptions for dried fruits, ensuring that Australian products meet international market requirements and consumer expectations. Made under the Customs Act 1901–1963 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905–1950, the policy objective of these regulations is to protect the reputation of Australian dried fruits by establishing stringent quality and classification standards. These regulations aim to provide clear guidelines on the classification, moisture content, and packaging requirements for prunes, ensuring that exporters adhere to uniform standards that enhance the marketability and integrity of Australian dried fruits in international markets.

Scope and Application

The Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations, enacted under the Customs Act 1901–1963 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905–1950, apply to the export of dried fruits from Australia. Specifically, the regulations detail the requirements for the classification, packing, and labelling of prunes for export purposes. These regulations apply to all persons or entities exporting dried fruits, such as prunes, from Australia, ensuring that the products meet the specified quality and moisture content standards. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, as they are administered at the Commonwealth level. Exclusions or exemptions from these regulations are not explicitly stated, implying that all exports of dried fruits must comply with the outlined standards. The application of these regulations can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments to the standards and classifications of dried fruits as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations, specifically under the Second Schedule (items 37 and 38), provide detailed specifications and classifications for the export of prunes. According to item 37, prunes of Fancy Quality must consist of sound, full-bodied fruit with excellent texture and a uniformly good, dark colour. They must also meet specific moisture content limits: not exceeding 22 per centum for "Dry Pack" and up to 37 per centum for prunes derived from dried D’Agen plums or 35 per centum for other varieties. The regulations mandate that prunes must be classified and labelled according to their moisture content and size, with specific requirements for the outer container’s labelling. Additionally, when the moisture content exceeds 22 per centum, prunes must be packed in hermetically sealed containers or approved alternatives. Item 38 pertains to prunes of Choice Quality, which must also be sound and of good texture, with an average dark colour. These prunes have a higher allowable moisture content, not exceeding 33 per centum. Similar to Fancy Quality prunes, they must also be classified and labelled according to their moisture content and size. The Regulations impose several obligations on parties involved in the export of dried fruits. Exporters must ensure that the prunes meet the specified quality and moisture content criteria. This includes adhering to the classification and labelling requirements as outlined in the Regulations. For Fancy Quality prunes, containers must display the variety of prunes, their classification, and the date of packing. For Choice Quality prunes, the same information must be included, along with the prescribed descriptions based on their size classifications. Additionally, where applicable, the moisture content must be clearly indicated on the container label. Exporters must also ensure that the prunes are packed in appropriate containers, particularly when the moisture content exceeds 22 per centum, requiring hermetically sealed or approved containers. Breaches of the Exports (Dried Fruits) Regulations may result in various civil or criminal consequences, depending on the severity and intent of the violation. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the provided text, breaches of similar trade regulations typically result in penalties such as fines, product seizures, or even criminal charges in cases of intentional misrepresentation. The penalties can vary significantly based on the jurisdiction and the nature of the violation, but they are designed to enforce compliance with the quality and safety standards set forth in the Regulations. It is important for exporters to adhere to these provisions to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the integrity of their products in the international market.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.