Exporters must submit a Shipping Application through WALAS for each consignment of wine leaving Australia that is greater than 100 litres (L). However, the regulations also allow for specific exemptions to the conditions of export under certain legislated circumstances.
Exporters are exempt from the requirement to be licensed and register their products when one of the following conditions is met:
- shipments under 100 litres – defined as a consignment made up of 1 exporter, or 1 or more related exporters; on 1 ship or aircraft; to a single port of discharge; whether or not to 1 consignee
- contained in the personal luggage of a traveller
- for the household of an individual who is moving to a new house
- for display at a trade fair or comparable event
- for a scientific or technical purpose
- for diplomatic or consular establishments as part of the duty-free allowance of the establishment
- for catering supplies that are held on board a means of international transport, or
- commercial samples for a prospective buyer.
A Shipping exemption can now be applied for via WALAS. Exporters may need to supply supporting documentation (including commercial invoice/purchase order etc.) as part of the application.
Shipments to Australian territories
For shipments of wine greater than 100L destined for Australian territories (e.g. Christmas Island) exporters will still need a permit number (WBC number) to exit Australia, which can be achieved via a shipping exemption. The category of exemption that should be selected in this scenario is ‘diplomatic or consular establishments’.
The Wine Australia team available to assist you with your exporting questions. We can be contacted via email at exports@wineaustralia.com or on (08) 8228 2000.