Recently importers have experienced longer than usual timeframes in the processing of import permit applications. This is due to an increasing volume of permit applications being received. Whilst the Biosecurity Act 2015 provides up to 123 days to assess permit applications, the department in practice aims to assess 90% in 20 business days. However present assessment timeframe is up to 35 business days per application.
The Department advises below how to minimise potential assessment delays.
- Know your import requirements prior to applying for an import permit
The following information will assist in identifying the relevant import requirements prior to applying for an import permit:
- The departments Import home page provides general information about Biosecurity and Imported Food requirements.
- BICON is the departments import conditions database and will provide you with the relevant pre and post border requirements.
- The Documentary requirements for import web page provides information about the departments minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy.
- Applying for an import permit
- When submitting a new import permit application in BICON, ensure all required information is provided.
- All information supplied in support of the import 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.
- Where possible, submit import permit applications early. We recommend applying up to three months in advance of when you need the permit.