Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations (Amendment)

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STATUTORY RULES.

1961. No.20.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE CUSTOMS ACT 1901-1960 AND THE COMMERCE (TRADE DESCRIPTIONS) ACT 1905-1950.*

I, THE ADMINISTRATOR of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Customs Act 1901-1960 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1950.

Dated this 10th

day of February , 1961.

DALLAS BROOKS

ASMINISTRATOR

By His Excellency’s Command,

(Sgd.) C.F. ADERMANN

Minister of State for Primary Industry and for and on behalf of the Minister of State for Customs and Excise.

Amendments of the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations.†

Second Schedule.

1. The Second Schedule to the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations is amended—

(a) by omitting paragraph (b) of item 5 and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—

“(b) Each side shall consist of two, three or four pieces, each piece being 19 inches long and—

(i) if made of hardwood—¼ to ⅜ inch thick; or

(ii) if made of softwood—not less than 5/16 inch thick, and not less than 3¼ inches wide, the combined width of all pieces being not less than—

(iii) if the side consists of two or four pieces—13¼ inches;

(iv) if the side consists of three pieces—12¾ inches.”; and

(b) by omitting item 12 and inserting in its stead the following

item:—

“12. Where the measurements of a box or tray, other than the measurements of the thickness of any timber, are not more than 1/16 inch less, or more than 1/16 inch greater, than the measurements specified in any of items 3 to 11 (inclusive) in this Schedule, the provisions of that item shall be deemed to have been complied with.”.

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 16th February, 1961.

† Statutory Rules 1955, No. 61, as amended by Statutory Rules 1956, Nos. 20, 27 and 123; 1957, No. 36; 1958, No. 24; 1959, No. 6; and 1960, Nos. 16 and 38.

9802/60.—Price 5d. 9/20.1.1961.

Third Schedule— Item 1.

2.—(1.) The Third Schedule to the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations is amended by omitting paragraph 1 in the second column of item 1 and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—

“1.—(1.) Subject to this paragraph, apples intended for export shall be of the varieties specified in the following table and each apple shall conform to the minimum percentage of colour characteristic of the variety for whichever grade is applicable in relation to the apple:—

Variety.	Abbreviation of name of variety.	Percentage of colour, characteristic of the variety, necessary on each apple in each grade.
		Extra Fancy.	Fancy.
		%	%
Alfriston................	ALF.	..	..
Ballarat.................	BAL.	..	..
Cleopatra................	CLEO.	..	..
Cox’s Orange Pippin........	C.O.P.	30	5
Crofton.................	CROF.	50	25
Delicious................	DEL.	50	25
Democrat................	DEM.	70	50
Dougherty...............	DHTY.	40	20
Duke of Clarence...........	D.C.	70	35
Dunns..................	DUNNS	..	..
French Crab..............	F.C.	..	..
Geeveston Fanny...........	G.F.	50	25
Golden Delicious...........	G. DEL.	..	..
Granny Smith.............	G.S.	..	..
Gravenstein..............	GRAV.	..	..
Jonathan.................	JON.	50	25
King Cole................	K.C.	70	35
King Pippin..............	K.P.	30	10
Legana..................	LEG.	60	30
London Pippin.............	L.P.	..	..
McIntosh Red.............	McRED	70	35
Nickajack................	NJ.	30	10
Red Jonathan.............	RED JON.	80	50
Ribston Pippin.............	R.P.	..	..
Rokewood...............	ROKE.	40	25
Rome Beauty.............	R.B.	30	15
Scarlet..................	S.P.M.	50	25
Statesman................	STN.	30	10
Stayman.................	STAY.	30	10
Stone Pippin..............	S.P.	..	..
Sturmer.................	S.T.P.	..	..
Tasman’s Pride............	T.P.	50	25
Worcester Pearmain.........	W.P.M.	50	25
Yates...................	YATES	50	25

“(2.) Apples of the varieties French Crab, Gravenstein, King Pippin, McIntosh Red, Nickajack and Stayman shall not be exported to the United Kingdom or a destination in the Continent of Europe.

“(3.) Apples of a variety other than a variety specified in sub-paragraph (1.) of this paragraph may be exported if the Secretary has, by instrument in writing under his hand, consented to the export of apples of that variety.

“(4.) Apples packed in containers other than the Standard apple box or Australian apple box shall be of a size within the range of sizes applicable in relation to the variety and destination of the apples in accordance with the following table:—

	Range of Sizes (inches in diameter).
Variety.	For export to the United Kingdom.	For export to the Continent of Europe.	For export to a destination other than the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe.
	(Inches.)	(Inches.)	(Inches.)
Alfriston................	2½–3	2½–3	2½–3¼
Ballarat.................	2½–3	2½–3	2½-3⅛
Cleopatra...............	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–3
Cox’s Orange Pippin........	2⅛–2⅝	2⅛–2⅝	2–2⅝
Crofton.................	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Delicious................	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–3½
Democrat...............	2¼–3	2⅜–3¼	2¼–3½
Dougherty...............	2¼–2⅞	2¼–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Duke of Clarence..........	2¼–2⅞	2⅜–3	2¼–3⅛
Dunns..................	2⅜–3⅛	2⅜–3⅛	2¼–3¼
French Crab..............	..	..	2¼–3⅛
Geeveston Fanny..........	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Golden Delicious..........	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Granny Smith.............	2¼–3	2⅜–3¼	2¼–3½
Gravenstein..............	..	..	2¼–2⅞
Jonathan................	2¼–2⅝	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
King Cole...............	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2¾	2¼–2½
King Pippin..............	..	..	2⅛–2⅞
Legana.................	2¼–2⅞	2⅜–3	2¼–3
London Pippin............	2½–3	2½–3	2½-3⅛
McIntosh Red............	..	..	2¼–3⅛
Nickajack...............	..	..	2¼–3⅛
Red Jonathan.............	2⅛–2⅝	2⅜–2⅞	2⅛–2⅞
Ribston Pippin............	2¼–2⅝	2¼–2⅝	2¼–2⅝
Rokewood...............	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Rome Beauty.............	2¼–2⅞	2⅜–3	2¼–3⅛
Scarlet.................	2⅛–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Statesman...............	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–2⅞
Stayman................	..	..	2¼–3⅛
Stone Pippin.............	2¼–2⅞	2⅜–3	2¼–3⅛
Sturmer.................	2¼–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2¼–3⅛
Tasman’s Pride............	2¼–2⅞	2⅜–3	2¼–3⅛
Worcester Pearmain........	2⅛–2¾	2⅜–2⅞	2⅛–2⅞
Yates..................	2¼–2⅞	2¼–2⅞	2¼–2⅞

“(5.) Apples packed in the Standard apple box shall be packed to a count within the count range applicable in relation to the variety and destination of the apples in accordance with the following table:—

		Count Range.
Variety.	For export to the United Kingdom.	For export to the Continent of Europe.	For export to a destination other than the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe.
Alfriston................	180–100	180–100	180–80
Ballarat.................	180–100	180–100	180–80
Cleopatra...............	234–125	198–113	234–100
Cox’s Orange Pippin........	319–175	319–175	343–175
Crofton.................	252–125	216–113	252–113
Delicious................	234–125	216–113	234–72
Democrat...............	252–113	234–88	252–72
Dougherty...............	234–113	234–113	234–113

		Count Range.
Variety.	For export to the United Kingdom.	For export to the Continent of Europe.	For export to a destination other than the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe.
Duke of Clarence..........	234–113	216–100	234–88
Dunns..................	234–100	234–100	252–88
French Crab..............	..	..	252–88
Geeveston Fanny..........	252–138	234–125	252–125
Golden Delicious..........	234–125	216–113	234–113
Granny Smith.............	234–100	216–80	234–72
Gravenstein..............	..	..	252–113
Jonathan................	234–150	216–113	234–113
King Cole...............	234–125	216–125	234–113
King Pippin..............	..	216–100	234–100
Legana.................	234–113	216–100	234–100
London Pippin............	180–113	180–113	180–96
McIntosh Red............	..	..	252–88
Nickajack...............	..	..	234–88
Red Jonathan.............	270–150	216–113	270–113
Ribston Pippin............	234–150	234–150	234–150
Rokewood...............	252–125	234–113	252–113
Rome Beauty.............	252–113	216–100	252–88
Scarlet.................	252–138	234–125	252–125
Statesman...............	252–125	234–113	252–113
Stayman................	..	..	234–88
Stone Pippin.............	234–113	216–100	234–88
Stunner.................	234–125	216–113	234–88
Tasman’s Pride............	234–113	216–100	234–88
Worcester Pearmain........	270–125	216–113	270–113
Yates..................	270–138	270–138	270–138

“(6.) Apples packed in the Australian apple box shall be packed to a count within the count range applicable in relation to the variety and destination of the apples in accordance with the following table:—

		Count Range.
Variety.	For export to the United Kingdom.	For export to the Continent of Europe.	For export to a destination other than the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe.
Alfriston................	175–108	175–108	175–75
Ballarat.................	175–108	175–108	175–83
Cleopatra ...............	220–126	200–108	220–96
Cox’s Orange Pippin .......	320–175	320–175	340–175
Crofton ................	240–132	220–120	240–120
Delicious ...............	220–126	200–108	220–68
Democrat ...............	260–108	240–83	260–75
Dougherty ..............	240–120	240–120	240–120
Duke of Clarence..........	220–108	200–96	220–83
Dunns .................	240–96	240–96	260–83
French Crab .............	..	..	240–83
Geeveston Fanny ..........	260–132	240–120	260–120
Golden Delicious ..........	220–126	200–108	220–108
Gravenstein .............	..	..	240–120
Granny Smith ............	240–96	220–75	240–68
Jonathan ................	240–154	200–120	240–120
King Cole ...............	220–132	200–132	220–108
King Pippin .............	..	..	260–108
Legana .................	220–108	200–96	220–96
London Pippin ............	175–108	175–108	175–83
McIntosh Red ............	..	..	240–83

		Count Range.
Variety.	For export to the United Kingdom.	For export to the Continent of Europe.	For export to a destination other than the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe.
Nickajack...............			240–96
Red Jonathan .............	260–154	200–120	260–120
Ribston Pippin ............	220–154	220–154	220–154
Rokewood ..............	240–132	220–120	240–120
Rome Beauty ............	240–120	200–108	240–96
Scarlet .................	260–132	240–120	260–120
Statesman ...............	240–132	220–120	240–120
Stayman ................	..	..	240–83
Stone Pippin .............	220–108	200–96	220–83
Stunner ................	220–120	200–108	220–83
Tasman’s Pride ...........	220–108	200–96	220–83
Worcester Pearmain ........	260–126	200–108	260–108
Yates ..................	260–132	260–132	260–132

“(7.) Apples of the varieties Crofton, Dougherty, Jonathan, Scarlet and Yates may be exported to the United Kingdom notwithstanding that the provisions of subparagraph (4.), (5.) or (6.) of this paragraph, as the case may be, have not been complied with in relation to the apples if—

(a) they are of the grade Extra Fancy;

(b) in the case of apples packed in containers other than the Standard apple box or the Australian apple box—the diameter of each apple is not less than 2 inches but is less than 2 inches; and

(c) in the case of apples packed in the Standard apple box or the Australian apple box—they are packed in such of the counts in the following table as are applicable in relation to those apples:—

	Count.
Variety.	Standard apple box.	Australian apple box.
Crofton ................	294	300
Dougherty ..............	294	280
Jonathan ................	270	260
Scarlet .................	294	280
Yates ..................	294	280

“(8.) Apples of the varieties Cleopatra, Granny Smith, Jonathan and Red Jonathan may be exported to Sweden, Finland and Norway notwithstanding that the provisions of sub–paragraph (4.), (5.) or (6.) of this paragraph, as the case may be, have not been complied with in relation to the apples if—

(a) in the case of apples packed in containers other than the Standard apple box or the Australian apple box—the diameter of each apple is not less than 2 inches but is less than 2 inches; or

(b) in the case of apples packed in the Standard apple box or the Australian apple box—they are packed in such of the counts in the following table as are applicable in relation to those apples:—

	Count.
Variety.	Standard apple box.	Australian apple box.
Cleopatra ...............	234	220
Granny Smith ............	234	240
Jonathan ................	234	240’
Red Jonathan .............	234	240

“(9.) For the purposes of this paragraph—

‘colour characteristic of the variety’ means—

(a) in the case of apples of the Alfriston, Ballarat, French Crab and Granny Smith varieties—the normal green, or green and flushed, colouration of apples of the particular variety;

(b) in the case of apples of the Red Jonathan variety—the normal full blush of that variety; and

‘count’, in relation to apples in a box or container, means the number of apples in the box or container;

‘count range’, in relation to a count of apples, means the range of numbers of apples within which the count is required to fall.”.

(2.) The Third Schedule to the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations is amended—

(a) by omitting from paragraph 2 in the second column of item 1 the word “box” and inserting in its stead the words “Standard apple box or an Australian apple box”; and

(b) by omitting paragraph 5 in the second column of that item.

Third Schedule— Item 8.

3. The Third Schedule to the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations is amended by omitting paragraph 2 in the second column of item 8 and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—

“2.—(1.) Each pear shall, before being packed into a box or tray, be wrapped in paper.

“(2.) Each pear shall be completely enclosed in the wrapping paper.

“ (3.) The paper shall be of a size and quality approved by the Secretary.

“(4.) Packing material consisting of corrugated strawboard, wood-wool or other suitable material shall be used for packing the pears.

“(5.) The pears shall be protected by the use of packing material on the top, bottom and sides of each box or tray.

“(6.) The packing material shall be of a quality approved by the Secretary.”.

By Authority: A. J. Arthur, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1961, No. 20, are regulations enacted under the Customs Act 1901-1960 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1950. These regulations aim to establish specific standards and requirements for the export of fresh fruit, ensuring compliance with trade practices and quality specifications. The regulations were made by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind these regulations is to standardise the quality and presentation of exported fresh fruit, ensuring that Australian products meet the necessary criteria for international markets. The regulations cover various aspects such as the allowable size and count of apples in export containers, permissible varieties for different destinations, and packaging requirements to protect the fruit during transit.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Customs Act 1901-1960 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1950, made by the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia, apply specifically to the export of fresh fruit, notably apples, from Australia. These regulations govern the types of apples that can be exported, their packaging, and the standards they must meet in terms of size, colour, and count per box or tray. The regulations apply nationally, as they are federal laws enacted by the Commonwealth Government. The exclusions include certain apple varieties that are prohibited from being exported to the United Kingdom or the Continent of Europe, and specific exceptions for the export of certain apple varieties to particular countries if they meet specified criteria. The application of these regulations can be further refined or detailed through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional specifications or amendments to the rules.

Key Provisions

The regulations outlined in this Statutory Rules document make amendments to the Exports (Fresh Fruit) Regulations under the Customs Act 1901-1960 and the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905-1950. The main operative sections are those that revise the specifications for apple exports, including amendments to the size and thickness of apple boxes (section 1), the allowable variations in box measurements (section 12), the permissible varieties of apples for export (section 1), the prohibited varieties of apples for export to certain countries (section 2), the allowable size ranges of apples (section 4), the allowable counts of apples per box or container (sections 5 and 6), and special exceptions for certain apple varieties and sizes for specific destinations (sections 7 and 8). Additionally, the regulations specify that pears must be individually wrapped in approved wrapping paper before being packed into boxes or trays, and that packing material must be of an approved quality (section 8). These regulations impose specific requirements on exporters of fresh fruit, particularly apples and pears. Exporters must ensure that their products meet the specified size, thickness, and count requirements for the intended destination, and that they comply with the allowable variations in box measurements. For apples, they must adhere to the specified varieties, size ranges, and counts per box or container, and they must ensure that the apples exhibit the necessary colour characteristics for their variety. For pears, they must individually wrap each pear in approved wrapping paper and use approved packing materials to protect the pears during transit. Violations of these regulations may result in civil or criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the Statutory Rules, breaches of customs regulations or trade descriptions acts can typically lead to fines, confiscation of goods, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The maximum penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant case law or statutory provisions.

Area of Law: Commercial Law
Instrument: Regulation
Concepts: Definitions & Interpretation; Reporting & Disclosure Obligations; Regulatory Standards

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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.

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