Australian honey exporters will benefit from new digital reforms that streamline the export certification process to Great Britain and the EU.
On 30 March 2023, certification for honey and apiculture exports for human consumption became available via NEXDOC for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the European Union.
For honey exports to the European Union’s members and markets, they will benefit from moving to a digital electronic certification exchange (eCert). This is the first time the department has moved from a completely manual process to eCert, allowing a paperless exchange of certificates to make trade arrangements simpler, more efficient and more secure.
Under the new system, honey exporters will no longer have to submit lengthy paper applications to the department for their export certification, which Acting Deputy Secretary Matt Koval says will significantly reduce processing times.
“The move to eCert is part of the department’s digital reforms to modernise ag export trade systems, streamline processes and provide significant benefits to our honey exporters,” Mr Koval said.
“More than fifty overseas markets have their export certification issued via NEXDOC for honey and apiculture products, and this will ensure that Australia’s high-quality agricultural products continue to meet the needs of trading partners around the world.
“In using NEXDOC, honey exporters can use the new self-service functionality to digitally lodge, amend and replace their export certificates with minimal department intervention.”
“This eCert connection with the EU enables a government-to-government exchange of Australia’s honey export certification. All countries part of the EU TRACES NT digital platform will now receive their certification electronically.
The transition to a digital certification process is expected to benefit honey exporters and contribute to the forecast record value of $75 billion for ag exports in 2022-23.
