As part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s focus on modernising its export services, Australian exporters of egg products will be able use Nexdoc – the new web-based export document management system – to generate export certification from December 2023.
Agriculture Trade Group acting deputy secretary Nicola Hinder said the Nexdoc system offered a range of new and enhanced features, providing Australia’s egg industry with a modern technical platform that can integrate with supporting systems and new technologies.
“Modernisation of our certification platforms will strengthen Australia’s reputation as an exporting nation of high-quality agricultural commodities, underpinned by robust digitally enhanced services and regulatory practices,” Ms Hinder said.
“This will allow industry to be more competitive in international markets by reducing regulatory costs, while maintaining our strong regulatory reputation.
“It is designed to improve product traceability and reporting, and to automate manual documentation and assessment processes, making the certification process quicker and easier to navigate.”
Egg exporters will be able to digitally lodge, amend and replace their export certificates with minimal intervention, as well as print approved certificates in their own premises instead of having to collect them from a departmental office.
“Certificates generated through Nexdoc will also render a unique QR code and certificate number, increasing product traceability and security for both Australia and our trading partners,” Ms Hinder said.
“While the move to Nexdoc doesn’t change the existing certification requirements for the egg industry, it will streamline administrative processes, saving time and making it easier for exporters.
“This includes reducing the need to contact the department as part of the clearance process.
“I encourage users transitioning to Nexdoc to attend one of the department’s virtual drop-in sessions being held over the coming weeks to learn more about the platform and to raise any questions about the new or updated functionalities.”
Transition period
Exporters and EDI users who had egg RFPs at INIT, FINL, INSP or HCRD status as at Sunday December 3, 2023 have until 5pm Sunday January 14, 2024 to get egg RFPs finalised/COMP and print their certificates.
From 5pm Sunday January 14, 2024, when Exdoc functionality for eggs will be switched off:
- Any egg RFPs not at COMP will have to be submitted as new requests in Nexdoc
- Exporters requiring replacements of certificates that were issued in Exdoc should contact exdoc.helpdesk@aff.gov.au
To read more about the Nexdoc updates, visit agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/certification/nexdoc/transition