Australia is replacing its current export documentation system with the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC), which includes updated sanitary and halal certificate templates for edible meat and meat products.
Australia Switches to New Meat Export Certificates
Exporters must use the NEXDOC system for sanitary and halal documentation.
What changed
New documentation system replaces EXDOC with NEXDOC for all exports.
Updated templates for sanitary and halal certificates are now in effect.
Scope expanded to cover all edible meat products from cattle, poultry, and other livestock.
Who it affects
Meat exporters must transition to the NEXDOC platform to generate certificates.
Halal certifiers must ensure products meet the new integrated religious standards.
Regulation Analysis: Transition to Australia’s Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC) for Edible Meat and Meat Products
Australia is replacing its current Export Documentation System (EXDOC) with the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC), which includes updated sanitary and halal certificate templates for edible meat and meat products. The transition will occur on 15 June 2026, with a dual-use transition period allowing both EXDOC and NEXDOC certificates to remain valid for air and sea freight consignments in transit to their destination1.
Key Changes and Requirements
- Scope of Products Affected
The NEXDOC system will apply to export certification for edible meat and meat products, including:
- Meat, offal, and derived products from cattle, buffalo, camels, goats, deer, sheep, pigs, horses, and donkeys
- Wild game
- Rabbit
- Poultry and ratites (e.g., emu, ostrich)
- Halal-certified meat and meat products (where applicable)1.
- Certificate Template Updates
- The NEXDOC templates introduce minor formatting changes and repositioning of information on the certificates.
- QR codes will be added to certificates, enabling border officials to verify authenticity in real-time by scanning the code via a smartphone1.
- The changes do not alter bilaterally agreed conditions, attestations, or regulatory controls required by importing countries1.
- Transition Period
- From 15 June 2026, NEXDOC will be the primary system for issuing export certificates.
- A transition period will allow EXDOC certificates to remain valid for consignments already in transit (air or sea freight) to their destination1.
- Electronic Certification (eCert)
- The transition to NEXDOC does not affect existing electronic certification (eCert) processes1.
- Authority and Contact
Summary Table of Key Requirements
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXDOC Implementation | Adoption of updated sanitary and halal certificate templates for edible meat exports1. | 15 June 2026 | DAFF1 |
| Transition Period | Dual-use of EXDOC and NEXDOC certificates permitted for consignments in transit1. | Post-15 June 2026 (duration unspecified) | DAFF1 |
| QR Code Verification | New certificates include QR codes for real-time authenticity verification1. | 15 June 2026 | DAFF1 |
| Scope of Products | Applies to all edible meat and meat products, including halal-certified items1. | 15 June 2026 | DAFF1 |
Summary Answer
Australia will replace its Export Documentation System (EXDOC) with the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC) for edible meat and meat products, effective 15 June 20261. The transition includes updated sanitary and halal certificate templates with QR codes for real-time verification, though the substantive requirements for importing countries remain unchanged1. A transition period will allow both EXDOC and NEXDOC certificates to coexist for consignments in transit1. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) oversees the implementation and may be contacted for further details1. Electronic certification (eCert) processes are unaffected by these changes1.
Sources
- ↩ docs.wto.org — imrd / directdoc https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/SPS/NAUS630A1.docx