Date of issue: 11 October 2024

Date of effect: 11 October 2024

Reference Number: MAA 2024-16

Related MAA/IAN: 

Attention:

• Industries—Industry bodies – Seafood Export Consultative Committee, Seafood Trade Advisory Group, Seafood Industry Australia
• Export establishments
• Exporters, AEPI, EXDOC and NEXDOC users
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Central and regional offices

Purpose

This Market Access Advice (MAA) provides advice on border clearance for fish and fish products exported to the People's Republic of China following the transition of the Export Documentation System (EXDOC) to the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC).

Summary of key points

On 30 September 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) transitioned its Australian export certification for fish and fish products from EXDOC to NEXDOC.

Prior to this transition, the department notified Australia's trading partners by releasing a WTO SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/593), which was published by the WTO SPS Secretariat on 2 August 2024. Further to this, the department provided formal notification letters to affected trading partners including the People's Republic of China.

GACC has confirmed acceptance of the NEXDOC certification. The department has been working collaboratively with GACC as the transition to NEXDOC occurs. The department appreciates GACC's cooperation.

If Australian exporters encounter issues at the border related to the NEXDOC certification, please contact the department at dairyeggsfish@aff.gov.au and NEXDOC@aff.gov.au. Exporters should provide the request for export (REX) number, the import permit number and the name of the port the shipment is being held.

The department encourages all exporters to work with their importer to ensure that product meets the current importing country requirements.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.