Dried Fruit (Export Inspection Charge) Act 1981

Dried Fruit (Export Inspection Charge) Act 1981

This is a short, focused piece of legislation that does one thing: it imposes a fee (called a "charge") on dried fruit that is exported from Australia.

What does it actually do?

• Creates a levy on exported dried fruit. Anyone who exports dried fruit from Australia must pay a charge (a government-imposed fee) on that export.
• Sets a cap on the fee. The charge cannot exceed $11.00 per tonne of dried fruit exported.
• Allows flexibility in rates. The exact rate of the charge — and whether different types of dried fruit attract different rates — is set through regulations (subordinate rules made by the Governor-General, rather than being locked into the Act itself). This means the rates can be adjusted without needing a full Act of Parliament.
• Allows exemptions. Certain dried fruit, or entire categories of dried fruit, can be exempted from the charge through those same regulations.

Who does it affect?

• Exporters of dried fruit — any person or organisation (including State governments or government bodies) who exports dried fruit from Australia is liable to pay the charge.

Why does it matter?

This charge was designed to fund the destined for export — helping to ensure quality standards are met before Australian dried fruit reaches overseas markets. The money collected under this Act is governed separately by the companion , which is treated as part of the same law.