26 February 2025
Who does this notice affect?
All importers, customs brokers and appointed analysts who currently lodge imported cargo documentation and are required to submit an Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Nomination form or Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Cancellation form.
Background
We continue to ensure that our regulatory activities are undertaken as efficiently as possible, including improving the way we receive documents for assessment for Imported Food Inspection Scheme laboratory nomination forms for consignments that have been referred to the Imported Food Program and require testing at the laboratory of an appointed analyst.
What has changed?
From 17 March 2025, the department will implement a new process for importers, brokers and appointed analysts for submitting the requests for Imported Food Inspection Scheme laboratory nomination forms. A new Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Cancellation form will also be available.
The new process will further enhance the department’s ability to efficiently receive and respond to requests for Imported Food Inspection Scheme laboratory nominations or cancellations.
From 17 March 2025, requests for laboratory nominations or cancellations are to be submitted using the newest version of the Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Nomination form and Imported Food Inspection Scheme Laboratory Cancellation form.
Forms must be submitted via the departments Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS) by either using the Lodgement Reference Number (LRN) when ‘adding documents’ to an existing LRN or by using the ‘enquiry’ function where the LRN is unknown.
Submissions sent to the importassessment@aff.gov.au email after 17 March 2025 will continue to be actioned until 14 April 2025.
After 17 March 2025, the department will contact appointed analysts not using the new system and assisted to lodge via the new process.
Further information
The new forms can be accessed via the following webpage:
The new forms can be lodged via the following webpage: