Photo: ABC Rural: Lisa Herbert
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has released the draft Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2020 for public consultation. The draft wood rules will set out how the export wood and woodchips will be regulated. Source: Timberbiz
These changes are part of a wider initiative to strengthen Australian agricultural exports and market access.
The improvements will make the laws more relevant, responsive and efficient. They will continue to provide the same level of regulatory oversight, remove duplication and ensure consistency across commodities where possible.
This will help exporters, foresters and other primary producers.
The draft wood rules will replace the existing regulations and orders.
The rules should be read in conjunction with the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2020, which received Royal Assent on 6 March 2020.
The anticipated implementation of the improved legislative framework is before April 2021 (subject to any future decisions of Government).
Submissions are open until 8 May 2020.
You can find the draft wood rules and the Export Control Act at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/draft-export-wood-rules-2020
