General information about Australian wine exports

Every wine leaving Australia as part of a consignment of more than 100 litres requires inspection and approval from the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC). To gain approval for your wine you need the following:

• two bottles of wine;
• correct labels; and
• a completed and signed 'Continuing Approval Application'.*

* the analysis for this Certificate can be performed by your own laboratory, your bottler, or at The Australian Wine Research Institute.

A proforma Continuing Approval Application is available from the AWBC.  It can be found at the AWBC's website.

The AWBC holds inspections on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of every week, except the week between Christmas and New Year.

After the wine has passed inspection, an approval number is issued. Use this number on your 'Shipping Application'.  These forms are also available from the AWBC.

Return the completed 'Shipping Application' to the AWBC for an 'Export Permit Number' (EPN).  This number must be quoted when applying for an 'Export Clearance Number' (ECN) to the Australian Customs Service (ACS).  This application can be made directly using your own computer and modem, through a forwarding agent, or by submitting a completed 'Entry for Exportation' form direct to the ACS.  These forms are available from the ACS.

The ECN must be on the Export Receival Advice (available from the shipping company) that accompanies the container or cases to the wharf or delivery depot, otherwise the cargo will not be accepted.

A graphic summary of the export procedure…

Many countries have their own certification requirements as well as maximum and minimum specifications for some wine components. The information provided in our Analytical specifications for the export of Australian wine booklet gives the requirements and specifications for most export destinations.

Visit the AWBC website for more information with regard to the license and export approval requirements.

The Institute's Analytical Service can provide information about the testing and certification process necessary to gain export approval from the AWBC and to meet specific requirements of different markets.