Citrus Australia had come out swinging at the department's plan to hike costs for citrus exporters, with local grower Vito Mancini also worried more out-of-pocket costs could have serious ramifications on the budding MIA industry.

Yet the department has defended their move, saying extensive consultation had taken place, with more yet to come.

They also say they don't know how Citrus Australia's worked out there would be a $30,000 charge for exporters, explaining it was dependent on which country market they were exporting to, as well as how much tonnage they had.

"The fees are cost recovery fees and charges to recover the expense associated with government certification that exporters must have to send their products into export markets," a spokesman said.

"Export certification charging has not increased by 277 per cent overall - only two cost recovery charges, on tonnes exported, are increasing to that extent. Some charges are proposed to decrease.

"Expense has increased due to increased importing country requirements, inflationary pressures, regulatory change, increases to demand and the 2018 - 19 Budget Expanded Cost Recovery measure."

With another delegation from the MIA set to hit China to look at taking advantage of their market, those wishing to enter this market will be the ones to find themselves with additional costs.

The department says the re-export fees only apply to businesses wishing to access those highly regulated and lucrative markets, such as China, where the government of the importing country requires that growers are accredited and audited and that pack-houses are registered by the Australian government.

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The department claimed consultation with industry representatives was undertaken, rejecting claims it was "hidden".

"The government announced the review of export cost recovery arrangements in the 2018-19 Budget. Since then, the department has been engaged with Industry representative bodies to inform development of proposed changes to cost recovery before public release," a spokesman said.

Affected stakeholders can provide feedback through the Have Your Say website.

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