All export meat processing plants in Australia operate under the Export Control Act 1982 (The Act). The act is the overarching Australian Government legislation that governs the export of all prescribed goods including meat processing for export. Subordinate legislation under the act, such as the Export Meat Orders (EMOs) and Prescribed Goods (General) Orders (PGGOs) provide the framework for meeting the detailed legislative and overseas market requirements that apply to export meat plants.

Establishments operating under the EMOs are supervised and audited by AQIS to verify that the legislation is being met. AQIS is responsible for the certification of exported meat and meat products.