Issued: 15 December 2023
Attention
Food importers and brokers acting on the behalf of food importers.
Purpose
To advise food importers that two forms to request exemption from inspection and testing under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) are now available on the department’s website.
Key points
- There are two IFIS exemption request forms available.
- The Imported Food Inspection Scheme – importer request for exemption from inspection form allows importers to request exemption from testing where the product is:
- for private consumption
- a trade sample
- a ship store
- a therapeutic
- not for human consumption
- The Imported Food Inspection Scheme – importer request for exemption from microbiological testing form can be used when products imported will be further processed.
- The forms are not mandatory. However, using them will facilitate the granting of the exemption, as they contain all the required information to enable the department to assess the requests.
- Both forms are available for download from the Full Import Declaration page.
Instructions
- Ensure the relevant exemption form is lodged as part of the import documentation uploaded through COLS.
- Ensure that all products are listed on the form.
- You may be required to provide evidence to support your application. It is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 to knowingly give false or misleading information to a Commonwealth officer exercising powers under Commonwealth law. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment.
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