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Alerts

Permit assessment delays for animal derived laboratory products

Effective from 7 October 2020

Dear importers and users of laboratory materials

The department would like to update you on turnaround times for permit applications to import animal/human derived products that will be used in a laboratory.

The department is now commencing assessment on most applications within one month of submission.

We are working toward further reducing turnaround times. We have been working on a range of improvements however, recent outbreaks and incidents (such as the COVID-19 pandemic and African Swine Fever in Germany) have created additional challenges for us.

While the department aims to complete assessment of permit applications within twenty business days, the process of assessing permit applications can take longer for a number of reasons, such as the number of products listed on your application, the need for additional information and response to disease outbreaks.

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

  1. Submit permit applications early. We recommend applying up to three months in advance of when you need the permit.
    The department is also able to forward date permits by up to three months. If we complete our assessment before your old permit expires, the department can make the start date of the new permit up to three months in the future. You must inform us if you’d like this to occur.

  2. When submitting a new application – ensure that relevant information about your goods is supplied with the application (for example: ask your manufacturer to complete the questionnaire). Ensure that if information is requested, it is provided to the department promptly.

  3. When supplying information, ensure that it meets the department’s 'Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy'. Often delays occur because documents provided do not meet these requirements.

Exceptional circumstances

The department is willing to work with permit applicants who have made a good effort to apply early. Please let us know if there is a reason or exceptional circumstance and you would like the department to consider:

  • prioritising your permit assessment, or

  • extending an existing permit’s expiry date.

If a permit applicant believes they have an exceptional circumstance, please contact the department 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).

This Alert applies to the following Cases: