Alerts

Dear importers and stakeholders,

As you may be aware, in recent months, the department has taken longer than would usually be expected to process some import permit applications for animal/human derived products.

We’ve now turned a corner and the assessment timeframes have decreased. The department is commencing assessment on most applications within one month of submission. Note that the department requires all supporting information attached to an application prior to being able to commence assessment.

We recognise that this timeframe is still not ideal, so we’re continuing to work on improvements. While the department aims to complete the assessment of permit applications within twenty business days, the process of assessing permit applications can take longer for a number of reasons, such as requiring additional information from the applicant to complete the assessment and responding to disease outbreaks.

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

1. When submitting a new application – 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.
   

2. 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.
   

3. 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 a good effort to apply early and there is an exceptional circumstance 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.

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