Market access

Market access for horticulture products to international markets is gained through negotiation between the Australian Government and the governments of our trading partners. Hort Innovation’s role in these negotiations is via the administration of an independent panel that acts on behalf of the horticultural sector to provide transparent, unbiased and consistent market access advice to the Australian Government; the International Market Access Assessment Panel.

This page outlines the role and function of the panel, outlines the process Industries must follow and provides a portal for industries to make market access applications.

If you would like more information or if you are thinking of making an application, we encourage you to contact Mila Bristow, General Manager Trade and Biosecurity R&D by email. Engagement between your industry and Hort Innovation ensures your industry will be in the best position to make a successful application to the panel.

Stakeholder roles

Next IMAAP meeeting

The next IMAAP meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025.

There will be at least two meetings in 2026, which will be held in April and October. Additional IMAAP meetings can be scheduled as required, at industry or DAFF’s request.

Submissions

Submissions for the November meeting will close at 12pm on Monday, October 6, 2025. Early submissions are welcome.

Eligibility criteria

Requests can originate from businesses, industry bodies of state and territory government departments and all applications must meet the following criteria:

• The Australian Government is the appropriate body to address the requests based on a detailed business plan
• Is prioritised in an industry export strategy (for new market access)
• Data that satisfies phytosanitary or other technical requirements has been developed and is available (if relevant)
• Is supported by and is inclusive of the broader national industry
• The industry is export-ready, and this has been clearly evidenced in an accompanying detailed business plan.

Hort Innovation will undergo a preliminary assessment of your application to ensure that it fulfils the eligibility criteria. More information on the eligibility criteria and process can be found in the information handbook.

International Market Assessment Panel

Documents

International Market Access Panel: Handbook (PDF)
New market access template (Word document)
Improved market access template (Word document)

Information and enquiries

For more information or enquiries about IMAAP, contact Mimi Doan, Acting Head of Trade and Market Access by email or Mila Bristow, General Manager Trade and Biosecurity R&D by email.

DAFF is responsible for deciding the priorities for bilateral negotiations. To support transparency and assist industry in preparing robust applications, DAFF has provided guidance on eligibility requirements and technical expectations. The following Frequently Asked Questions outline key considerations for applicants engaging with the IMAAP process.

Please direct any further related enquiries to mcs@aff.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions – DAFF guidance

As of September 11, 2025

1. Who should applicants consult with if data packages are not supported by established standards (e.g., ISPMs or regional standards)?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with researchers to develop research proposals that meet all relevant technical criteria. Where necessary, researchers and applicants may consult with DAFF to clarify the potential suitability of proposed data packages that are not supported by recognised standards prior to submitting an application to the IMAAP panel, noting that international trading partner requirements may not be fully understood for novel treatment pathways.

2. What makes a dataset appropriate for supporting an application?

The appropriateness of a dataset will be determined by the specific requirements of the application, including market being applied for. In particular, datasets should be robust, comprehensive, and scientifically defensible. Factors that may influence the suitability of datasets include, but are not limited to:  

• The pest species or pest complexes to be managed
• The scientific validity, quality, and completeness of the data
• The methodologies employed in data collection and analysis
• The relevance of the data to the specific commodity, production system, export pathway, and market
• The timeliness and currency of the data, including consideration of emerging pests or updated international guidance
• The alignment of the data with relevant international standards, or the justification provided where such standards are not available. 

3. Will applications supported by incomplete data be considered by the IMAAP panel?

No. Market access applications must be supported by a complete data package and/or an existing phytosanitary pathway to be considered by the IMAAP panel.

4. Advised by DAFF – what constitutes 'incomplete data' for the purposes of IMAAP applications?

Data packages are deemed incomplete where the supporting research:

• Has not commenced
• Is missing critical technical components
• Is only partially complete
• Is in progress at the time of application.

Please direct any further related enquiries to mcs@aff.gov.au