Annual returns – FAQs

Is this the process where I have to pay the APVMA money?

No, that is the annual levy. While the recent changes have harmonised the requirements of annual returns and levy declarations, these are 2 distinct processes with separate datasets that are used independently.

The annual return process is a requirement under section 35 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Products (Collection of Levy) Act 1994. The information to be reported outlines the quantity of each product subject to levy in the current reporting period.

Levy declarations relate to the requirement to pay levy on the disposal (sales or own use) of agricultural and veterinary chemical products as legislated under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Products (Collection of Levy) Act 1994. The figures declared are the dollar value of disposals.

Is the reporting process the same as it has always been?

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority Board and Other Improvements) Bill 2019 made significant changes to the annual returns process for 2022 onwards.

Annual returns should be reported as the quantity of a product disposed of ('leviable disposal'), for those parties that are required to pay levy on said product.

Previously the requirement was for holders to report quantities of active constituents imported, exported, or manufactured.

This is the third year of the requirement to report disposal quantities of products.

What is leviable disposal of chemical products for reporting purposes?

Leviable disposal of a product occurs when a product is manufactured in OR imported into Australia, and then sold OR used by the manufacturer or importer in Australia.

Can I give the list to someone else to fill out?

Yes, click on the spreadsheet icon in the reporting list to generate a full list of your products, which you can then save and distribute as required for completion.

Please note that when you have collected all your data in the spreadsheet, it will still need to be entered into the online reporting system for submission to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). Once entered, you can also generate a final spreadsheet for your records from the reporting system.

I’m an overseas holder, can I log in to report or does my nominated agent need to do this for me? Can I give my nominated agent permission to do this?

Individuals liable to pay levy on a product are required to complete a return, rather than product or active holders. If you previously have not been liable for levy on products, you may not be required to complete an annual return.

If you are required to complete an annual return for a product, you are free to have your nominated agent complete the return on your behalf.

What do I do if the products on my list are incorrect?

Please email details to enquiries@apvma.gov.au and select nil return for that item.

I import a product that is 25% active constituent, do I report 25% of the weight?

No, you are required to report the total quantity of product disposed of. We would appreciate it if you reported in units that match your registered formulation.

What does the APVMA use this data for?

The APVMA has a legislative obligation to the Secretary of the Department to provide them with a statement setting out the total quantities of each active constituent for each chemical product covered by these returns.