The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued notice 40-2024: ‘Import Document Assessment Delays,’ for the attention of importers and custom brokers. A similar notice was issued six months ago (2023-24) which at that time was attributed to the beginning of the Stink Bug season.
DAFF says it anticipates its ability to meet the published client service standards timeframes for the assessment of Import documentation of non-urgent commodities will come under further pressure in the short to medium term. However, timeframes in relation to urgent commodities are expected to continue to be met.
DAFF is implementing strategies to assist with the management of workload. These include:
- Undertaking planned recruitment processes with the aim to onboard 75 assessment officers nationally.
- Reviewing the risk associated with various commodities coming into Australia.
- Temporarily diverting workforce capacity to document assessment functions.
- Better managing requests for document assessments outside of business hours, which continue to be facilitated subject to capacity. Requests are currently exceeding 1200 per week.
There a number of ways in which industry can assist to ensure timely turnaround including:
- Ensuring documents and other information is lodged completely and accurately and in line with the department’s minimum documentary requirements and import conditions.
- Importers are encouraged, where possible, to request their customs brokers use Class 19 in the clearance of their consignments. This will also avoid requesting document assessment outside business hours, which incurs additional costs.
- Ensuring that documents are lodged well in advance of arrival of the goods.
- Avoiding repeatedly calling or emailing the department checking on the status of a lodgement for document assessment.
- Increasing uptake and usage of AA 14.4 arrangements for rural tailgate inspections.
For a more detailed list see DAFF Industry Advice Notice 40-2024.
High volumes of entry lodgements continue to be received and DAFF expects this trend to continue. The Self-Assessed Clearance (SAC) workload also remains at high levels.
Colless Young is always looking for ways to improve document processing times and reduce delivery delays. As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we take care of your cargo economically and professionally. Based in Brisbane, Colless Young provides a complete range of logistics services, including clearance through customs and biosecurity (quarantine), trucking and warehousing. We handle sea cargo and airfreight, at all major Australian ports and airports.
