Peak Demand for Import Document Assessment and Inspection Delay
The department anticipates that its ability to meet the client service standards timeframes for the inspection of non-urgent commodities will come under further pressure in the short to medium term due to ongoing high volumes of import entry lodgements, the start of the 2025–26 BMSB season, and the lead-up to the Christmas peak.
ADM Global and its Peak body continue to work with the department to address prolonged delays, which are adding significant costs for importers. Ongoing challenges include recruitment/retention of biosecurity staff and low industry uptake of the Biosecurity Portal and virtual label inspections. Significant delays are expected to persist.
Although costly and sometimes outside normal operating hours, the department remains committed to offering underutilised overtime and weekend inspection options.
Guidance from ADM Global
Plan for longer timeframes – Factor in delayed processing and booking.
Use overtime/weekend inspections to avoid detention and storage fees.
Ensure high-quality documentation to prevent avoidable delays.
Notify ADM Global early about upcoming or urgent shipments.
Stay informed through ongoing updates as the department progresses its workload and reform initiatives.
We encourage all customers to forward plan and book shipments as early as possible and to build flexibility into your supply chain, to help manage delays. Forecasting is a necessity to maintain a robust supply chain to navigate through these challenges.
Our team is actively working to mitigate the impact of these disruptions where feasible.
Please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated ADM representative for further details.
Yours sincerely,
ADM Global Pty Ltd
📞 +61 3 8336 0800 | 🌐 www.admglobal.com.au
