THE promise of export efficiencies from the Federal Government’s new documentation system NEXDOC seem yet to be realised in the wool industry.

A statement from Federal Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins this week announced this week that Australia’s $3 billion wool, feathers, skins and hides export industries are now able to make major savings in both time and money thanks to the expanded Next Export Documentation or NEXDOC system.

Wool export certification (including feathers) that was available in the former EXDOC was switched to NEXDOC starting 25 November 2024. From 5pm Sunday 24 November 2024 (AEDT) new certificate requests cannot be raised in EXDOC. Requests For Permits in EXDOC for wool and feathers to China, Australia’s major wool market, needed to be completed and the certificate printed prior to 5pm (AEDT) 24 November 2024 and all certificates for China needed to be issued through NEXDOC from 25 November 2024. China has allowed for a short transition period for sea freight consignments to present EXDOC documentation issued prior to 25 November 2024.

Ms Collins’ office said NEXDOC streamlines the certificate application process, meaning exporters will be able to get their products out of Australia and into global markets with unprecedented speed, while improving data accuracy and reporting. The system brings advanced tracking capability, including QR codes on export certificates.

This means greater security, with certificates now easy to verify, giving trading partners complete confidence in the information they receive.

NEXDOC has already boosted export efficiency and created savings in the millions for the dairy, eggs, fish, honey and other food product industries, with more sectors joining in 2025, the Collins statement said.

Risk of shipping being delayed

However, Scott Williams, executive director of the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors and the Private Treaty Wool Merchants of Australia said it is too early to tell what the long-term benefits of NEXDOC will be, but presumably they will be significant, as EXDOC was quite old.

“The transition from EXDOC to NEXDOC has caused quite a few problems for exporters, though.

“We received only a couple of months’ notice about the changeover and it’s taking place at a very busy time of year,” he said.

“I know that several of the exporters are currently trying to resolve technical issues that are stopping them shipping wool.

“I don’t think shipping has been delayed as yet – it’s more the risk of it happening if technical issues can’t be resolved,” Mr Williams said.

“An example issue is that the shipping manager has to enter an AHECC (Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification) code – such as 51011110 for ‘Greasy shorn wool (incl. fleece-washed wool), not carded or combed, 19 um and finer’.

“I’m told some of the relevant codes weren’t recognised,” he said.

NEXDOC to make wool and hide industries more competitive

Ms Collins said NEXDOC will help make the wool, feathers, skins and hides industries more competitive in international markets by reducing costs through increased self-service and reducing time-consuming manual processes.

“This will streamline administrative processes for the wool, feathers, skins and hides industries, save time and make it easier for exporters to do business.

“NEXDOC is a digitally enhanced service that is strengthening Australia’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality agricultural commodities underpinned by efficient, business services,” she said.

In 2023-24, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry recorded 88 market access achievements to open, improve, maintain, and restore access, including 10 new markets.

Australia now exports over 70pc of our agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally.

AQ departmental spokesperson said export certification for skins, wool and hides transitioned to the NEXDOC system on 25 November.

“The department continues to work with exporters during the transition period.”