21 October 2026
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) advises industry of updated email subject line requirements for all plant products Request for Permit (RFP) authorisation requests submitted by email. It outlines the required subject format, including cut-off information and transport mode.
Summary of changes and key points
- From Monday 26th October 2026, all plant products RFPs submitted by email should include the transport mode, cut-off date and time, departure date, RFP number, commodity and destination country in the subject line.
- Findings from the recent Fast-Track Trial highlighted this information assists the department to triage plant related requests.
Background
During the recent Fast-Track trials (see IAN 2026-15 and 2026-29), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry found that clear cut-off dates and times provided at submission helped triage plant-related RFPs.
The department has therefore decided to revise the email subject line requirements for plant RFP authorisation requests.
Subject line requirements
The subject line for plant RFP authorisation requests should be formatted as follows:
Subject format: Air/Sea/Mail/Bulk Sea; Authorisation; Cut-Off <insert Date and Time>; Departure <insert Date>; RFP <insert Number>; Horticulture/Grain; Destination <insert Country>
Example: Sea; Authorisation; Cut-Off 29 Oct 2026 13:00; Departure 30 Oct 2026; RFP 12345678; Grain; Vietnam
Transport mode
The transport mode should be identified as either Air, Sea, Mail or Bulk Sea.
Cut-off date and time
The cut-off date and time should reflect the relevant logistics or loading deadline associated with the export consignment.
Behaviour expectations
The mental and physical health and safety of our people, visitors and others who work for us and with us is paramount. We have a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive, threatening and/or inappropriate behaviour.
Interactions with staff, clients or visitors, whether in person or by other communication methods, must be in accordance with a standard of acceptable behaviour. We will also abide by these standards when we are interacting with you.
Contact information
For further information, please contact PlantExportsNDH@aff.gov.au.
Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch