DAFF - IAN : 2026-45: Grain and Seed Exports - Update to Quality System Recognition (QSR) instructional materials

27 July 2026

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry and authorised officers (AOs) of updates to the requirements for quality system recognition (QSR) of processed plant products for export.

Summary of changes and key points

• The following instructional material has been updated on the Plant Export Operational Manual
  • Exports process instruction: Quality system recognition of processed plant products for export
  • Exports work instruction: Inspecting processed plant products for export produced under quality systems recognition.
• Updated requirements will take effect from 17 August 2026. The updates include:
  • change to QSR policy for allowance of whole dried macadamia nuts in shell for approval under QSR (will require assessment of each application)
  • change to the timing of the initial QSR audit following issuance of a conditional QSR approval letter
  • clarification of the requirement that prior to commencing QSR inspection, AOs must
    • verify a copy of the QSR approval letter
    • confirm the product type and the type and size of packaging are approved under QSR
  • clarification of the requirement for flowpath inspection
  • development of a new QSR application form to apply for exporting in-shell macadamia nuts
    Note: Applicants must request a copy of the QSR application form by contacting the Grain and Seed Exports Program.
• Draft instructional material is now available on the department's website to support stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and understand their responsibilities in performing their roles.
• From 17 August 2026, the existing versions will be replaced by the updated instructional materials.

Background

Following a review of commercial production processes of whole dried macadamia nuts in shell for export, we have updated the application and assessment process in the QSR policy to include whole dried macadamia nuts in shell – creating a new application form. In addition, we have updated other general aspects of the QSR exports process instruction and work instruction.

The updated instructional materials provide information that directs and supports industry and AOs to understand their responsibilities and perform their roles relating to applying for QSR and preparing export consignments of processed plant products from Australia under QSR.

We are committed to continually improving our instructional material so that it is clear, easy to follow and appropriate for our stakeholders.

Industry responsibilities

Industry must:

• read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
• comply with the requirements outlined in the updated instructional material.

Authorised officer responsibilities

AOs who conduct QSR inspections must:

• read and familiarise themselves with the updated instructional material
• comply with the requirements outlined in the updated instructional material

AOs can contact their local Regional Assurance Manager (RAM) should they require support in meeting the updated and clarified requirements.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN, please email Grain and Seed Exports Program or call 02 6272 3229.

Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch