Media Release 17 June 2020
- The Australian Government has delivered improved access to global markets for agricultural narcotic exports for medicinal cannabis and hemp industries.
- The Export Control Amendment (Certificate of Narcotics Exports) Bill 2020 will allow certification for legitimate export of narcotic goods.
- The bill will support emerging agricultural exporters to gain access to export markets and provide certification to pursue lucrative export opportunities.
The Australia Government has delivered improved access to global markets for agricultural narcotic exports for medicinal cannabis and hemp industries through the Export Control Amendment (Certificate of Narcotics Exports) Bill 2020.
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, said the bill will support emerging agricultural exporters to gain access to international markets and provide certification to pursue lucrative export opportunities.
“We want to see Australia’s agricultural sector continue to grow towards $100 billion in exports by 2030.
“The bill broadens current legislation that certifies agricultural exports to allow for certification of legitimate exports of narcotic products.
“In the past year we have seen producers wanting to export to markets that need Australian Government certification – this Bill means exporters can now access those markets and have the confidence to invest in this industry.
“The industry will be able to export markets in South-East Asia, China, Canada and the lucrative US market.
“The Australian Government is committed to assisting our agricultural producers and exporters to create and maintain new international export opportunities, while providing assurance to our trading partners through certification.
“This bill will enable agricultural industries to come out firing after the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”
