Are you an Australian food manufacturer looking to expand your business internationally? There are almost endless opportunities for international expansion – the world loves Aussie food – but there are also plenty of hoops to jump through regarding government regulations that exporters must comply with.
To help you, we’ve compiled a guide to “almost everything you need to know” before starting your export journey. Read on to find out more!
1. Understand Export Requirements
Export Declaration
If you are sending goods out of the country, you’ll need an Export Declaration if the goods:
- Are valued at more than AUD$2,000: Any food product shipments valued over AUD$2,000 require an export declaration to ensure all goods comply with export regulations and international standards.
- Contain the following:
- Dairy Products: Exporters need permits from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) due to strict international regulations on dairy health standards.
- Meat Products: Exporting meat requires compliance with the Export Control Act 1982 and the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) regulations. This includes obtaining health and safety certifications and ensuring the meat is sourced from approved facilities.
- Seafood: Like meat, seafood exports must comply with health certifications and biosecurity measures.
- Plant-Based Food Products: Products like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains often require phytosanitary certificates to ensure they are free from pests and diseases.
Exemptions
Small-scale food shipments valued under AUD 2,000 might be exempt from requiring an Export Declaration. This can be useful for smaller businesses or samples sent to international buyers.
For more detailed information, please visit the ABF export requirements page. Your food products must also meet the biosecurity standards of your target market, to ensure that exported products do not introduce pests or diseases to other countries. Notably, the US restricts the import of citrus plants and fruits from Southeast Asia to prevent the introduction of the Asian Citrus Psyllid – a pest that has devastated citrus industries globally.
You also need to comply with the target market’s food safety laws. Some countries highly regulate and even ban certain additives and ingredients found in food products. For example, we recently had an inquiry from a company that wanted to sell a product containing meat to the UK. They were disappointed to discover that this lucrative market was closed to them because of the UK’s ban on meat containing hormones!
Here are some other notable examples:
| Country | Controlled/Banned Additives |
|---|---|
|
USA
|
- Sodium Benzoate: The FDA regulates the amount of sodium benzoate used in food products - this chemical is commonly found in carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, and condiments - Potassium Bromate: This additive is banned in many countries due to its potential to cause cancer but is still allowed in the U.S. with certain restrictions - this chemical is commonly found in commercial bakery products |
|
EU |
- Titanium Dioxide (E171): This additive has been banned in the EU since 2022 due to concerns about its potential genotoxicity - this chemical is commonly found in candies and powdered milk - BHA and BHT:These preservatives are restricted due to concerns over their potential to cause cancer - this chemical is commonly found in cereals and processed foods |
|
Canada |
- Sulfites: The use of sulfites is heavily regulated due to allergic reactions and health concerns - this chemical is commonly found in dried fruits, wine, and beer |
|
China |
- Potassium Bromate: Similar to the EU and Canada, China bans this additive due to its potential carcinogenic effects - this chemical is commonly found in commercial bakery products |
2. Research the Market
Size the Market
Determine Profitability
Research the Context
3. Ensure Compliance and Sustainability
Sustainable Practices
Traceability Systems
Traceability: Establishing robust traceability systems can help your business comply with international regulations and build consumer trust.
For example, the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly, requiring comprehensive traceability systems to ensure all stages of production, processing, and distribution are traceable.
4. Utilize Support and Resources
Assistance Programs
Training & Development
3D Training Programs: DAFF has introduced new 3D training programs for dairy exporters to upskill their export capabilities.
On top of that, we are here to help. Whether you need help getting started on your export strategy, identifying suitable markets, or finding a distributor that is tailored to your needs, just reach out to us via our LinkedIn or book a call from this page.
Navigating the world of international food exports can be complex, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can successfully expand your business and share your delicious products with the world. Happy exporting!
