October 20, 2009
Australia sets new rules for dairy exports
Australia's government has streamlined the regulations for dairy exporters wanting to access markets in the US and the EU.
The tariff quota system has undergone an overhaul, replacing four sets of different access rules with a single set for all dairy producers.
Two tariff rate quotas are used to allow certain amounts of dairy products into the EU and the US with a minimal or no cost to the exporter. Each of the two quotas is negotiated through the WTO and the free trade agreement with the US.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said the reforms would improve the transparency when it comes to handing out quotas and also support small businesses looking to expand their market share.
Other changes include an annual application process for access to each quota, opening the quota to new players as well as setting aside a proportion of each quota for small and new exporters.
