Alerts

Dear importers and stakeholders,

The department would like to alert importers and stakeholders to expect processing delays for applications of some animal/human derived products.

Due to unexpected changes to resourcing, delays to some permit assessments have increased. In some cases, the time taken to start an assessment (once all relevant information has been received) may be up to 10 weeks. We recognise that these timeframes can cause concern, however, please be aware that the department is allocating resources to alleviate the delays. We expect these timeframes to improve soon.

A reminder to clients that all required supporting information must be provided before the assessment can begin. If additional information is required you will receive a request for further information from the department.

To help avoid unnecessary delays, we ask that permit applicants do the following:

1. Where possible, submit permit applications early. We recommend applying up to three months in advance of when you need the permit.
   The department is able to forward date permits by up to three months from the date of application, if you inform us you’d like this to happen. This means that if a new permit will be granted before your old permit expires, we make the start date of the new permit up to three months in the future.
   

2. Provision of information – ensure that all relevant information requested is provided, including having your manufacturer complete the ‘manufacturer’s questionnaire’ if this is requested in the application form.
   Please note that all information supplied in support of the permit application must meet the department’s 'Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy'. Often delays occur because documents provided do not meet these requirements.
   

The department is happy to work with permit applicants who have made the effort to apply early, and where there are exceptional circumstances that may lead the department to consider prioritising a permit assessment or extending an existing permit’s expiry date.

If a permit applicant believes they have an exceptional circumstance, please use the contact information below and provide details of the situation and supporting evidence to substantiate the request. Evidence could include a letter from a doctor or hospital, official records of stock numbers etc.

If you have any questions please email imports@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, prompt 1).