Alerts
Permit application processing delays for waste and biological products for use in a laboratory
Effective from 8 December 2023The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) would like to alert importers and stakeholders of processing delays for permit applications to import animal/human/microbial derived products, waste, and environmental samples to be used in a laboratory.
Due to changes in resourcing, delays to assessments of permit applications can be expected. As of 6 December 2023, the department is commencing assessments on most applications within eight weeks of submission.
Please note that the department's Canberra offices and some regional offices are closed for business from COB Friday, 22 December 2023 to Tuesday, 2 January 2024. No permit applications will be progressed during this time.
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:
Where possible, submit permit applications early. We recommend applying up to three months in advance of when you need the import permit.
Note, the department can forward date permits by up to three months from the date of application. You must inform us if you’d like this to occur. This means we can ensure your new permit starts when an existing permit is due to expire.- Ensure that all relevant information requested is provided, including having your manufacturer complete the manufacturer’s questionnaire if 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'.
High priority permit applications and exceptional circumstances:
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 imports@aff.gov.au 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.
Who does this alert affect:
Importers of or brokers of animal/human and waste derived products to be used in a laboratory, Pathway Operations Cargo - Assessment and Inspections, and biosecurity staff.
Further information:
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please email imports@aff.gov.au or call 1800 900 090 (prompt 1, prompt 1).
This Alert applies to the following Cases:
- Enzymes
- Proficiency Testing Samples
- Antigens for laboratory use
- Waste
- Soil and articles containing soil
- Human milk and human milk products for human consumption
- Water
- Test kits
- Culture media
- Human fluids and tissues
- Purified antibodies
- Starter cultures (and derivatives)
- Microorganisms and infectious agents (and derivatives)
- Cell lines
- Animal fluids and tissues (excluding viable reproductive material)
- Genetic material (nucleic acids and their derivatives) excluding plants and plant pathogens
- Live animals and their reproductive material for laboratory use
- Laboratory materials