11 June 2026
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise the horticulture industry of the commencement of phase 2 of the horticulture fast-track trial and the arrangements and submission requirements, including scope, operating period, submission standards, resubmission management and client expectations.
Summary
- From 15 June 2026 to 9 October 2026, the department will run phase 2 of the horticulture fast-track trial during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30am to 6:30pm AEST.
- Phase 2 will include all horticulture commodities.
- Fast-track for horticulture commodities remains a trial and is not indicative of an ongoing business-as-usual service.
- Exporters are responsible for making sure requests are complete, accurate and include all required supporting information when submitted.
- We will do our best to action requested Request for Permit (RFP) authorisations for the fast-track trial quicker than 1 business day for air freight and 3 business days for sea freight.
- If you are not using the trial, you should follow normal procedures, and the usual service standards will apply.
Horticulture – Fast-track trial
Following phase 1 of the horticulture fast-track trial, Phase 2 will start on 15 June 2026 and run until 9 October 2026.
The trial will operate from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Note from 4 October 2026, daylight savings will begin.
It will cover all horticulture commodities.
Any requested cut-off times must be clearly stated and supported by evidence.
Phase 2 will continue testing key parts of the trial arrangements. This includes reducing resubmissions, collecting more data across a wider range of commodities and timeframes, and improving information in areas that were not fully assessed during phase 1. Exporters are responsible for making sure requests and RFP authorisations are complete, accurate and include all required supporting information when submitted.
RFP authorisation resubmissions and fast-track requests will be closely monitored during phase 2. Requests should be accurate and use the correct drop-down fields in the form. RFP authorisations must also be complete and correct when submitted. Where recurrent issues are identified, feedback will be provided to clients. Fast-track eligibility may be removed where acceptable improvement to RFP authorisations is not demonstrated.
The department will monitor submission trends during the trial to help inform future trial settings and client feedback.
Submission requirements
To request an authorisation as part of the fast-track trial, you must email PlantExportsNDH@aff.gov.au:
- with subject title Client Query – Fast-track trial request – RFP – Loading cut-off date and time
- copy and paste the Fast-track request template into the body of the email.
The Fast-track request template will be available in the autoreply from 8 June 2026.
We ask that when you are submitting your request that you do not adjust the formatting of the template and that you use the structured fields and avoid using free text. This will help us to be as efficient as possible in processing requests and analysing the trial data.
Where a request relies on a vessel or flight cut-off time, you must provide evidence of that cut-off when the request is submitted. This must be a screenshot from the relevant tracking website (or equivalent) and must match the cut-off information provided in the email.
It is important industry submit their RFP at the earliest time possible, regardless of whether they are seeking fast-track service or not.
Industry engagement session
The department will deliver virtual information sessions with Regional Assurance Managers (RAMs). If you have not received an invitation and would like access to one of the sessions, please email PlantExportsNDH@aff.gov.au with the subject line Client Query – Fast-track information session.
A key priority for phase 2 is reducing resubmissions by helping clients submit correct and complete RFP authorisations the first time. The sessions will provide an overview of phase 2 submission requirements, highlight common submission issues, and explain the expected standard for requests.
Resubmission rates will be monitored throughout the trial, and feedback may be provided where recurrent issues are identified. Persistent RFP issues mean exclusion from the trial. Where resubmission rates remain high, participants will be offered further support with from a RAM.
Outside of trial operation times - booked overtime
If you require a horticulture RFP to be processed outside the hours of 6.30am to 6.30pm (AEST), as per IAN 2025-02: Assessment Services Exports - Requests for permit (RFP) authorisations for plant and plant products, you will need to submit a request for booked overtime.
Overtime requests must be submitted by email to Plant Exports National Documentation Hub (NDH) at plantexportsNDH@aff.gov.au with Client Query, Overtime request, Day/Date in the subject line.
Requests for overtime will be allocated in order of receipt. We encourage exporters to submit their overtime requests as early as possible, but no later than 2:00pm AEST on the business day prior to the requested service.
Requested time slots are indicative only and cannot be guaranteed. Specific RFP numbers must be included at submission; missing or duplicate numbers will not be processed. Confirmation will be sent once arrangements are finalised, and follow-up emails are not required.
Out of hours contact number
If circumstances beyond your control put a consignment at risk of missing the cutoff, you may contact our urgent out-of-hours service, which operates:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00pm to 6:30pm AEST (6:00pm to 7:30pm AEDT)
- Saturday: 7:00am to 12:00pm AEST (8:00am to 1:00pm AEDT)
To request urgent assistance, call 03 8317 8310 during these times. If your call is not answered, please leave a voicemail with your name and contact number. Please note that charges (i.e. overtime) may apply, and action cannot be guaranteed.
Behaviour expectations
The mental and physical health and safety of our people, visitors, and others we work with is paramount. We have zero tolerance for aggressive, threatening or inappropriate behaviour.
All interactions with staff, clients and visitors, whether in person or through other forms of communication, must meet an acceptable standard of behaviour. We will also meet these standards when interacting with you.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please contact your local RAM or email Plant Exports National Documentation Hub (NDH).
Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch