Alerts

The assessment wait time for laboratory commodities has decreased and the department is now commencing assessment on most applications within four weeks of submission.

To help avoid unnecessary assessment delays, we still suggest that permit applicants consider the following:

• When submitting a new application ensure all relevant information is provided, including having your manufacturer supply any product inserts and details of ingredients, country of origin, supply chains, treatments, volumes and inactivation processes.
• If you have already submitted an application and you have not provided this advice, please forward this information through to imports@agriculture.gov.au.
• Where possible, we also encourage you to submit permit applications early. The department may forward date permits by up to three months from the date of issuance. This means that if a new permit is granted before your existing permit expires, we can make the start date of the new permit align with the expiry date of the existing permit.
• For urgent applications (e.g. for medical emergencies or to address a major shortage in a critical product), please provide a written request along with supporting evidence (e.g. a letter from a hospital, official records of stock numbers etc) to expedite your application to imports@agriculture.gov.au.
• Pease note that all information supplied in support of the permit application must meet the department’s Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy.

Who does this alert affect:
Industry stakeholders including importers, approved arrangements, freight forwarders and brokers that deal with laboratory commodities.

Further information:
Enquiries regarding laboratory commodities can be directed by email to imports@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090.