Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) has released the latest version of its National Wool Declaration (NWD V9.3) as a result of stronger collaboration between exporters, brokers, and the Australian Wool Exchange.

The finalized NWD V9.3 was by AWEX CEO Mark Grave, who also stated that the 2022 NWD review was completed after considerable engagement and feedback from the industry. He said that AWEX values the positive feedback it has received from both organizations and people.

The following are the significant improvements to the NWD V9.3 that have been approved: Introduction of Liquid Nitrogen (LN) for sheep treated with liquid nitrogen; NM (non-mulesed) definition refers to the exclusion of liquid nitrogen; LN mobs to be identified separately from NM, AA (pain relief), M (mulesed), ND (not declared) mobs, CM (ceased mulesing) has been retained.

The categories, their definitions, and supporting explanations are included in the attached NWD V9.3 template.

Mr. Grave said that both NWD queries relating to Ceased Mulesing (CM) Status now have a 12-month timeline, and NM & LN clips may be eligible for CM if they are used on the youngest mobs. It is important that industry stakeholders must not change any of the NWD V9.3's wording or definitions when creating documents or stationery. This is to ensure NWD consistency, maximize the integrity of all Australian declarations, and offer clarity on each NWD category so that their consumers can make educated purchase decisions.

Mr. Grave stated that by completing this NWD study, the AWEX board is declaring that a new NWD will commence in 2023, for implementation in July 2024. The NWD V9.3 will take effect on July 25, 2022. All selling agents are advised to adopt NWD V9.3 as soon as possible so that all declarations can be made using V9.3 by July 25, 2022.

The publication of NWD V9.3 and the business rules to industry stakeholders, advice on IT system needs, and new code will all be part of the implementation and communication strategy starting in mid-March 2022. (s). The industry will be sent NWD brochures, templates, and updated FAQ material, which will be posted on the AWEX website, www.awex.com.au.

NWD V8.0 and older versions received before July 25, 2022, will be legitimate, but that beginning July 25, 2022, all declarations must be made using NWD V9.3.

Rowan Woods, president of the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia, stated the finalization of the current NWD version was a collaborative effort by AWEX, NCWSBA, and ACWEP. The latter two were dissatisfied with the original text, but after more discussion with AWEX, an updated version was agreed upon. The members of the NCWSBA and the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors demanded that Ceased Mulesing be included in the NWD since they still had CM wool under contract. Although they see that the 'Ceased Mulesing' classification's days are numbered, they are simply not in a position to do so at this time. So they wanted AWEX to reinstate that, which they have done.