How do I renew the registration for my fish export business?

In Plain English

If you want to renew your fish export business registration, you need to apply within a specific timeframe. This timeframe is 60 days, starting 180 days before your registration expires. So, you need to apply between 180 and 120 days before the expiry date. For example, if your registration expires on July 8th, you can apply for renewal between January 9th and March 10th of that year. Also, you only need to renew if your registration has an expiry date.

When the Secretary considers your application, they will check if you still meet the requirements outlined in Part 1 of Chapter 4 of the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021. These requirements are the same ones you had to meet when you first registered your business. This ensures that your business continues to operate to the standards required for export registration.

Detailed Explanation

To renew the registration of an establishment for exporting prescribed fish or fish products, you must adhere to the timeframe specified in section 4-16 of the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021. This section prescribes the period for application renewal as per paragraph 116(4)(a) of the Act. The application must be made within 60 days, commencing 180 days before the registration's expiry date. This means the application window opens 180 days before expiry and closes 120 days before expiry. Note 2 of section 4-16 clarifies that renewal is only necessary if the registration has an expiry date, as per subsection 116(1) of the Act.

The Secretary's decision to renew or refuse renewal is governed by subsection 117(1) of the Act. Section 4-17 of the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2021 further specifies that the requirements outlined in Part 1 of Chapter 4 must be met for renewal, as per paragraphs 117(2)(e) and (g) of the Act. This ensures ongoing compliance with the standards required for registered establishments, preventing a decline in operational practices after the initial registration. These requirements are in addition to those already listed in subsection 117(2) of the Act.