​Follow these steps to export dairy products. This guide will help you comply with Australian export laws and meet importing country requirements.
Fees and charges apply to some steps.
You need to understand how your product is defined by law, as export requirements differ between products.
where the major ingredient is dairy.
We regulate prescribed goods. To export prescribed goods, continue to Step 2.
any dairy product destined for New Zealand.
You do not need to continue through this guide. You must still meet any specific requirements of the importing country.
In some cases a non-prescribed good becomes a prescribed dairy product when an importing country requires export registration and certification.
Check our Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR).
Talk to your importer about importing country requirements.
Find out how to export non-prescribed goods.
For both prescribed and non-prescribed goods, you must meet all requirements set by the importing country.
talk to your importer about any specific requirements.
Some of our trade agreements include quotas with reduced tariff rates for certain products. In some cases, we manage these export quotas.
Check if export quotas apply to your goods.
You must register with us if you are involved in the export of prescribed dairy products. Requirements vary depending on your role in the export process.
As an exporter you are the person or company legally responsible for complying with the export requirements of your dairy products.
Your company name is on all export documents. You make or have all declarations that the products are fit for export and meet importing country requirements.
Register as an exporter through our Export Documentation System (EXDOC). This is how you link your name and details to documents requested through the system.
pay all fees and charges.
an audit of your establishment to confirm details and effective implementation of your approved arrangement.
If you want to export your own product (rather than sell to an exporter or another export registered establishment) you will also need to register as an exporter.
Find out more about registering as an establishment.
Complete this step if you are exporting goods manufactured by someone else.
You must only source products from an export registered establishment. You are responsible for making sure your supplier is registered with us.
If you declare that your products are organic or biodynamic, you must source these products from a certified supplier.
Check that your supplier has a certificate of compliance. This must be issued by an approved certifying organisation.
Make sure you have all certificates, declarations and supporting documentation you need to export your goods.
You must confirm that you have these documents when you request an export permit.
Manufacturers of dairy products for export are responsible for making a declaration of compliance.
complies with importing country requirements.
Each shipment must have a declaration of compliance. The declaration must provide assurance that all products in the shipment comply.
When you receive or dispatch goods from your export registered establishment to another, you must make a transfer declaration. This does not apply if you are sending product straight to a wharf or airport.
When your dairy products are ready for export, you need to make a Request for Permit (RFP) using our Export Documentation System (EXDOC). An export permit must be obtained before the goods are shipped from Australia.
When requesting a permit, you need to select the relevant dairy product code. Product codes are used in customs declarations and to link your permit to the registered establishment.
a health certificate, when required by the importing country.
Fees and charges are payable.
Check if you need to make a customs export declaration. All prescribed dairy goods being exported from Australia must be accurately declared to Customs and issued with an Export Declaration Number (EDN).
Goods not declared to Customs will not be allowed onto the wharf or airport.
Register your ABN in the customs system.
Apply for access to the EXDOC Single Electronic Window.
If you have completed steps 1-7 and met all requirements, your goods can be exported.
Find more information about exporting dairy products on the Dairy Australia trade ready website.
Find more resources for dairy exporters.