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The trade policy formulation and evaluation structure continues to be very transparent, and involves interactions between the executive branches of government, advisory bodies, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders. The Productivity Commission (PC) remains the Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues. Its advice to the Government, together with the information and analysis on which it is based, are open to public scrutiny.

When importing into Australia, importers of plant, animal, mineral and biological products (...) may use the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system to determine whether: a commodity is permitted to be imported; importation is subject to specific conditions; supporting documentation is required; the commodity must undergo treatment; or an import permit is needed. (...) Australia's biosecurity system is based on the Biosecurity Act, 2015, and information on biosecurity conditions may also be obtained through BICON.

The Government regulates national issues that also affect the aquaculture sector, such as disease control, quality aspects, labelling, and trade. (...) a licensing system is in place to mitigate these concerns and the sector's impact on the environment.

Australia is also actively participating in the WTO Fisheries Subsidies negotiations (...) in recognition of the potential contribution that subsidy reform could make to improve the sustainability of marine capture fisheries across the globe.

Table 3.11 Exports subject to licensing or other restrictions, 2019
Item: Toothfish
Justification: Protected under international instrument through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, to protect against illegal poaching
Measure: Prohibited unless permission has been granted by an authorized officer from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

Fuel and petroleum products produced or manufactured in Australia are subject to excise duties. The excise regime extends to crude oil and condensate; petroleum fuels such as petrol and diesel; gaseous fuels; biofuels; solvents; lubricants; and recycled fuel and fuel products.

In its most recent notification to the WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, Australia listed three federal programmes directed towards the agricultural sector in financial years 2017/18 and 2018/19.[8] (...) Two programmes related to water management were notified under the heading environmental programmes.

[8] WTO document G/SCM/N/343/AUS, 14 October 2019.

In June 2017, the COAG Energy Council created the Energy Security Board, which is tasked with fostering coordinated reforms across the NEM regarding reliability, security and emission reduction policies.

Table 3.7 Imports subject to prohibition or non-automatic licensing, 2019
Item: Hazardous waste
Justification: International commitments (Basel Convention, and OECD Council Decision C(92)39)
Measure: Imports prohibited under the Hazardous Waste (Regulations of Imports and Exports) Act, 1989 unless a permit has been granted by the Minister for the Environment or an authorized person.

Table A2.2 RTAs in force, 2019
Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA)
Coverage (selected features): Services, government procurement, intellectual property, competition policy, environment, and labour.