16 March 2026

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise forest product exporters, establishment occupiers and authorised officers (AOs) of updates to instructional material for inspecting forest products for exports.

Summary of changes and key points

• The Exports work instruction: Inspecting forest products for export has been updated on the Plant Export Operations Manual.
• Updates include clarification of the requirement for:
  • log sampling from bulk vessel holds to ensure greater representation of the whole consignment, particularly if the consignment is made up of logs from multiple establishments or various types
  • treatment of bagged forest products and where and when this must occur
  • sampling and inspecting sawn timber and other processed timber consignments.

Background

We conduct regular review of export policy and relevant instructional materials to ensure they remain accurate and fit for purpose.

The work instruction for inspecting forest products for export has been updated to ensure it is clear, easy to follow and remain compliant with export regulations.

Authorised officer responsibilities

AOs appointed in forest product job functions (FOP3001, FOP3002 and FOP3003) should:

• read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
• comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.

Registered establishment occupier responsibilities

Occupiers of registered establishments that hold the registered operations 'packing forest products' and 'inspecting forest products' should:

• read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
• comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.

Treatment provider responsibilities

Treatment providers who treat forest products for export should:

• read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
• comply with the clarified and updated requirements outlined in the updated work instruction.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Grain and Seed Exports Program.

Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch