Import Document Assessment Delays at Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from members of delays in import document processing times by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department).

Through ongoing engagement with department executives FTA can advise that the department is currently being challenged with increased volumes 

The department has informed that delays are being exacerbated by late lodgements of sea cargo, with high numbers of sea freight entries being lodged in less than 12 hours prior to vessel ETA. This results in an unmanageable volume of urgent assessments which cannot be turned around within one day or less.

This is expected to continue as we enter both peak season and BMSB in addition to the persistent COVID related supply chain difficulties that members are facing.

The department is aiming to release a document assessment automation enhancement at the end of November that will hopefully assist in reducing processing delays.

At the time of writing the department advises they're just outside the service standards  by around 24 hours. 

Bearing in mind the multiple challenges faced by members at the moment the ongoing message from the department is that by lodging documents as early as possible then the department will have a better chance at meeting the service standards .

FTA will continue to keep members up to date on pertinent developments