The rules may make provision for and in relation to the issue of government certificates in relation to prescribed goods and non - prescribed goods that are to be, or that have been, exported.

In deciding whether to make rules in relation to goods that are not animals, plants or food, the Secretary may have regard to relevant matters, including importing country requirements, sanitary matters, Australian laws and standards, Australia's international rights and obligations and international standards.

A person may apply to an issuing body for the issue of a government certificate in relation to goods that are to be, or that have been, exported. The issuing body is a person or body prescribed by the rules in relation to the goods or, if no person or body is prescribed in relation to the goods, the issuing body is the Secretary.

The issuing body must decide whether to issue a government certificate. The Secretary may exercise certain powers in relation to an application for a government certificate.

Certain issuing bodies may charge a fee in relation to things done in the performance of the issuing body's functions or the exercise of the issuing body's powers under this Act.

A government certificate may be issued electronically or in another form that is acceptable to the relevant importing country.

A government certificate has effect for a particular period.

A government certificate may be revoked and may be required to be returned.