DAFF - IAN : 2026-24: Plant Exports – Authorised officer annual levy reminder

28 May 2026

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to remind third party authorised officers (AOs) of their upcoming levy payment due between 1 and 28 July 2026.

Summary of changes and key points

• The annual levy applies to all third party AOs whose authorisation is in force during all or part of the financial year starting on 1 July.
• The annual levy covers the costs associated with third party AO authorisations that are not directly linked to a service.
  Note: Levy payment is separate to the reappointment fee.
• The annual levy is payable through the Plant Exports Management System (PEMS) in compliance with the legislation and the conditions set out in the terms and conditions of authorisation.
  Note: Payment can be made anytime up until 28 July 2026. If the annual levy is not paid, AOs may have their authorisations revoked.
• Refer to the Exports work instruction: Paying the annual levy using the Plant Exports Management System.

Background

AO fees and charges are legislated in the Export Control (Fees and Payments) Rules 2021 and Export Charges (Impositions—General) Regulations 2021. Payment of an annual levy is part of maintaining an AO's authorisation as stipulated in the AO terms and conditions of authorisation.

The AO annual levy covers costs that are incurred by the department in the maintenance of the AO model that cannot be directly charged to one AO. This can include the costs associated with the AO hotline, the Plant Export Training mailbox, the development of training and assessment materials and the management of communications with AOs.

Further information about AOs fee and charges is available on the Authorised Officers page.

Authorised officer responsibilities

• You must pay the annual levy between 1 and 28 July 2026 to continue with your authorisation.
• If you have not made your payment by 29 July 2026, your PEMS account will be suspended.
  Note: You may still access PEMS to make your payment after this date.
• If payment has not been received by 29 August 2026, you will need to contact Plant Export Training to request the payment gateway to be reopened in PEMS.
• If you do not wish to continue with your authorisation, you can withdraw your authorisation before 15 June 2026 to avoid the annual levy invoice being generated.
  Note: To withdraw from the AO model you must complete the Authorised officer withdrawal form and send it to Plant Export Training before 15 June 2026.
• Refer to the Authorised Officer annual levy – Frequently Asked Questions factsheet for further information.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email Plant Export Training.

Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch