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Export regulation enabled by the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services Act 2000

Regulation Impact Statement – Department of Agriculture

On 14 January 2015, the Minister for Agriculture wrote to Citrus Australia Limited (CAL), the Australian Horticultural Exporters Association and the export control body, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, advising of his decision to extend the horticulture export efficiency powers (EEPs) for a further two years, to 31 January 2017. EEPs had been due to terminate on 31 January 2015. The EEPs allow horticultural industries to apply to the government for conditions to be placed on horticultural produce exported from Australia such as:

  • requiring the use of specific importing or exporting agents;
  • establishing quality, colour, shape or size standards for produce; and
  • requiring exporting businesses to participate in an approved export program.

A regulation impact statement (RIS) was completed in December 2014, which presented 3 options:

  • maintain the current EEP arrangements)
  • cease the current EEP arrangements by revoking the orders and the regulations
  • cease the current EEP arrangements by revoking the orders and the regulations and removing the head of powers.

The Minister decided to extend the EEP arrangements for two years to enable the citrus industry to work with Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited to improve the operational effectiveness (including compliance), transparency and communication activity associated with the powers. The decision by the Minister to extend the EEP arrangements by 2 years will not result in any changes to compliance costs to businesses. The RIS prepared and certified by the Department of Agriculture was assessed as compliant and consistent with best practice by the Office of Best Practice Regulation.