13 July 2026
Who does this notice affect?
All importers and customs brokers who currently lodge imported cargo documentation and wish to request an assessment outside of business hours.
What has changed?
From 20 July 2026, the department will implement a new overtime request form for biosecurity industry participants to request document assessment outside standard business hours. This new form will replace the current overtime request form and will be identified as AGR021.0626 with sub-text June 2026. It will also allow industry participants to request Carnet and Transhipment assessments, in addition to existing Biosecurity and Imported Food assessments.
An updated Troubleshooting Guide will be published with the new form. Industry participants are encouraged to refer to the guide if they experience any issues when using the new form.
Further Information
Biosecurity Industry Participants will need to start using the new overtime request form once it becomes available and ensure that any existing saved copies of the previous form are no longer used. Participants should also review their internal processes to ensure they align with the updated form and requirements.
Once implemented, the previous overtime request form will no longer be accepted. Requests submitted using the old form may not be processed due to system validation changes. The updated form is expected to improve the handling of Carnet and Transhipment requests and support a more consistent and efficient processing across all assessment types.
The new form can be accessed via the following webpages:
- Lodgement of import documentation via the Cargo Online Lodgement System (COLS)
- Lodgement of import documentation via email
To guarantee consideration, your request must be received before 11:00 am on the business day prior to the day you are requesting the documents to be assessed. Late submissions may not be accommodated.
Submission of import documentation for these requests continues to be via COLS.
For further information please contact the department on 1800 900 090 or General inquiries.