In the digital era, most of the export-related documentation tasks happen online. Different departments authorized to approve or issue export certificates have developed electronic systems and interfaces to make the process fast and convenient. The exporters and the agents working on behalf of the exporters are also investing in electronic software solutions to prepare various important documents.
One example is that of export permits for which an exporting party needs to raise a request for permits with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR). Here’s a small guide on how the whole procedure is carried out using EXDOC.
What Is EXDOC?
EXDOC or Export Documentation System is an electronic platform that the DAWR operates to accept the requests for export permits. The system also allows the exporting parties to request the documents like health certificates and Phytosanitary certificates. The Department is authorized to issue export permits for many commodities that include:
- Horticulture produce
- Plants and grains
- Edible meat and inedible meat products
- Dairy produce
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Woo, skins and hides and so on
What Do You Need?
Before you learn the full procedure, it is important to know what you need to complete it:
- A third-party software package that would interface with the EXDOC to submit your requests
- Complete knowledge of the 1982 Export Control Act to know what information you need to provide while requesting for the permits
- Requirements of the importing countries to know additional information that you must share with the Department
What Are the Steps Involved?
After you purchase a third-party software solution, here are the steps you must follow:
- Register with the EXDOC System: You must be registered with the EXDOC system as an exporter. You may also register with the system as an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) user or connect with an existing EDI user who is registered to interact with the system.
- Submit the Request: The next step is to share in the prescribed format the information about the consignment you wish to export. This may include consignment details as well as the details regarding how the products in the consignment were produced or processed.
- Prepare for Inspection: Once the DAWR receives your request, it would assign an inspection officer to inspect your consignments and verify the information provided by you. It is important to know that the inspection happens in an establishment registered with the Department. If you don’t have one such facility, you can rent a registered one.
Once the inspection is successful in verifying the information, the Department issues an export permit as well as the other request certificates. The benefits of using EXDOC for the entire procedure include a lot of convenience and time-saving. You can easily trace the status of your request from the convenience of your office. Moreover, it saves the errors and efforts involved in the traditional manual and paper-based procedure. Make sure that you choose the right third-party software package as it can be an important factor to accomplish the desired results.
