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How to export

​Export Declarations

An Export Declaration is a statement made to us by the exporter, owner of the goods, or their agent. The statement provides us with information about the goods and the export transaction. You must complete all mandatory fields on the Export Declaration before the export of goods.

We recommend that you use the services of a customs broker or agent to complete export entries and related clearance formalities. We can only provide general advice on completing the form.

You need to lodge an export declaration for goods you export, unless an exemption applies. For further information, see our Export requirements page.

Lodging an Export Declaration

An Export Declaration can be lodged either:

Export Declarations can be lodged up to six months before the date the goods are being exported.

You should lodge one export declaration for each consignment of goods that you export. A consignment for the purposes of an export declaration is defined as goods sent from one consignor to one consignee. A consignment does not need to be a single package, or be exported at the same time. You are the consignor if you are the exporter, owner of the goods or in some circumstances, an agent acting on behalf of the exporter or owner. You are a consignee if you are the final receiver of goods exported from Australia, even if you did not order or pay for the goods.

For example:

  • If a consignor sends goods to a consignee – the consignor should lodge an export declaration for all the goods.
  • If a consignor sends goods to multiple consignees – the consignor should lodge multiple export declarations, one declaration for each consignee.


To lodge an Export Declaration at a counter:

  1. Complete, but do not sign Export Declaration (B957 Form), or Supplementary pages B957a Form(s), if used. You (or your agent) will sign the Declaration when requested by one of our officers.
  2. Present the Export Declaration at one of our counters with:
    • evidence of identity (EOI) documents (originals or certified true copies)
    • completed client registration form (if required).
  3. After the EOI check has been completed successfully we will process the Export Declaration.
  4. If we determine the Export Declaration requires amendments, we will contact you or your agent and request an amended Export Declaration. This can be faxed, mailed or presented at one of our counters. You can also send an amendment without a request, see Amending an Export Declaration section below.
  5. When processing has been completed, we will provide you (or your agent) with an export entry advice that is either:
    • an authority to deal with the goods for export
    • an authority to deal with the goods for export, subject to a condition that a specified permission be obtained
    • an authority to deal with the goods for export, subject to a condition that a security required under s16 of the Excise Act 1901 be given, or
    • a refusal to provide an authority to deal (meaning the goods cannot be exported).

Lodge the Export Declaration at one of our counters in your State or Territory. With our prior approval you can use a courier to lodge an Export Declaration at specified counters. For EOI requirements and the use of couriers, see evidence of identity for documentary (paper) transactions.

After you make an Export Declaration, you must keep all relevant documentation for five years. For information about exporter requirements see Exporter obligations and reporting requirements.

Amending an Export Declaration

The exporter, or their agent, must notify us of changes to an export by lodging an export declaration amendment as soon as possible. 

An amendment to an electronically lodged declaration must be lodged electronically.

An amendment to a manually lodged Export Declaration must be lodged manually. For manual amendments see Form B957 Export Declaration. This can be faxed, mailed, or presented at one of our counters in your State or Territory.

Withdrawing an Export Declaration

If goods are not exported 30 days from the intended date of export, you must withdraw the Export Declaration within seven days of the end of that 30 day period. Failure to withdraw an Export Declaration within seven days is an offence.

If the goods are later exported, a new Export Declaration must be lodged with the ABF.

An electronically lodged declaration can be withdrawn electronically, or manually.

For manual withdrawal of a declaration see Form B611 Export Declaration Withdrawal Notice. A withdrawal notice can be faxed, mailed, or presented at one of our counters in your State or Territory.

Confirming Exporter Status

Exporters may apply to become ‘Confirming Exporters’ when some export information regarding their export consignment will not be known until goods have been loaded. Note option is only available for certain types of goods.

Confirming Exporters can lodge an Export Declaration based on estimates, and confirm the exact amounts within an agreed time.

An agent cannot apply for Confirming Exporter status on behalf of an exporter. However, if an exporter already has Confirming Exporter status their agent can lodge a declaration on their behalf. Agents can also apply for Confirming Exporter status in their own right.

You can make amendments to your Confirming Exporter Status by lodging a new application form with updated details. For applications to become a Confirming Exporter see Form B111 Confirming Exporter Status.

An application for Confirming Exporter status can be faxed, mailed, or presented at one of our counters in your State or Territory.