This content is current only at the time of printing. This document was printed on 29 January 2023. A current copy is located at https://apvma.gov.au/node/32901
Upcoming website outage
Upcoming website outage
The APVMA website will undergo required maintenance from 10 am to 5 pm AEDT on Monday 30 January 2023. The website will not be accessible during this period, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Online Services Portal outage
Online Services Portal outage
The Online Services Portal is being updated to reflect legislative changes commencing 1 February 2023. The Online Services Portal will be unavailable from 4 pm AEDT on Tuesday 31 January 2023 while we make these changes. Services will be available from 12 am AEDT on Wednesday 1 February 2023.
A timeshift application provides for the staged submission of supporting data packages allowing commencement of longer assessments (such as toxicology and environment) while other supporting data packages (such as efficacy and crop safety) are being completed.
Timeshift applications can be used for applications involving multiple assessment modules including:
approval of a new active constituent
registration of a product that contains a new active constituent
registration of a product that contains an approved active constituent or variation of a registered product where two or more technical assessment modules (modules 2 to 10 of the module types) apply
where there is a previously approved active constituent not in any currently registered products
The application is assessed according to a project plan which is developed and agreed between the applicant and the APVMA as part of pre-application assistance (PAA) tier 2 or tier 3. A timeshift application cannot be submitted without an agreed project plan.
The agreed project plan sets out the sequence for the submission of each data package (chemistry and manufacture, toxicology, WHS, residues, environment, efficacy, crop safety, trade—including non-food and any special data if required) and timeframe for conducting the necessary modular assessments.
Legislation
Framework
The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act establishes the APVMA as an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth responsible for the regulation and control of agvet chemicals in Australia up to the point of retail sale. This Act contains all the internal details of the establishment of and the functions and powers of the APVMA. It also contains provisions controlling the import and export of agvet chemicals.
The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act, among other things, contains the detailed provisions allowing the APVMA to evaluate, approve or register and review active constituents and agricultural and veterinary chemical products (and their associated labels); and to issue permits and to license the manufacture of chemical products. It also contains provisions for controls to regulate the supply of chemical products; and provisions ensuring compliance with, and for the enforcement of, the code.
In addressing the criteria, the applicant may provide information, or valid scientific argument to address a specific criterion. The following sections of the Agvet code provide definitions for meeting the criteria:
An active constituent or chemical product meets the safety criteria if use of the constituent or product, in accordance with any instructions approved, or to be approved, by the APVMA for the constituent or product or contained in an established standard:
a) is not, or would not be, an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling or people using anything containing its residues; and b) is not, or would not be, likely to have an effect that is harmful to human beings; and c) is not, or would not be, likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or things or to the environment.
To satisfy the section 5A criteria, the APVMA considers chemistry and manufacture, toxicology (including poison scheduling), residues, worker health and safety, environment and target safety.
A chemical product meets the efficacy criteria if use of the product, in accordance with instructions approved, or to be approved, by the APVMA for the product or contained in an established standard, is, or would be, effective according to criteria determined by the APVMA by legislative instrument.
A chemical product meets the trade criteria if use of the product, in accordance with instructions approved, or to be approved, by the APVMA or contained in an established standard, does not, or would not, unduly prejudice trade or commerce between Australia and places outside Australia.
In approving a label for a container for chemical products, the APVMA must be satisfied that the label contains adequate instructions. This allows the APVMA to ensure that the risks of using the agvet chemical product are adequately mitigated through appropriate instructions.
The APVMA’s Agricultural labelling code and Veterinary labelling code also contain further labelling requirements that ensure a standard layout, legibility and further help in mitigating the risk of using agvet chemical products when used in accordance with the label instructions.
The APVMA has designed guidelines to help inform the APVMA and applicants as to the modules, data and information that will apply for different types of applications. The Guidelines are not the law. The APVMA will have regard to them, but from time to time may depart from them when determining the modules and supporting data and information necessary for a particular application. The APVMA has a number of guidelines which describe:
Section 8D of the Agvet Code states that at any time after the application is made and before it is determined, the applicant may withdraw it by giving the APVMA written notice of the withdrawal signed by the applicant.
Definitions
A timeshift application is defined in section 3BA of the Agvet Regs as:
(1) An application is a timeshift application if:
(a) it is covered by subregulation (2); and
(b) the applicant and the APVMA have agreed that it will be assessed in accordance with assessment periods set out in a project plan for the application agreed to by the applicant and the APVMA.
(2) An application is covered by this subregulation if:
(a) the application is of a kind described in column 1 of Item 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 14 or 15 of the table in clause 2.1 of Schedule 6; and
(b) if the application is of a kind described in column 1 of Item 10 or 14—the APVMA has determined that at least 2 of the modules at Items 2 to 10 of the table in Schedule 7 are necessary for the application.
Note: the table in clause 2.1 of Schedule 6 sets out the assessment periods and fees applicable to applications. For timeshift applications, see Item 27 of the table.
Timeframe and fees
The modules required for a timeshift application will be agreed between the applicant and the APVMA during PAA and documented in the agreed project plan for the application.
If the applicant is issued with a requirement to provide additional information under section 159, or the applicant misses an agreed data submission deadline, the APVMA may revise the project plan to reflect any delays and/or the extended assessment period.
Which application form do you need?
Agricultural products
Veterinary products
Agricultural applications: further information
Modules
The APVMA has developed a Guideline for module descriptors to provide guidance as to the modules that will apply for different types of applications. The APVMA will have regard to it, but may depart from it, when determining which modules are necessary on a case by case basis. The guideline is not the law.
For an application to be assessed as a timeshift application it must include two or more of the technical assessment modules (chemistry, toxicology, residues, occupational health and safety, environment, efficacy and safety, non-food trade, and special data). This is in addition to the preliminary assessment, finalisation and data protection modules.
The appropriate modules will be agreed by the applicant and the APVMA during pre-application assistance based on the level of assessment appropriate to the proposed application.
Module 1: Preliminary assessment
Preliminary assessment is an initial examination of the application for administrative completeness. It is an administrative check that the form and content of the application meet the application requirements. In other words, the outward look of the application and its accompanying information appears to be in order and complete. It is NOT a completeness check of the technical aspects of your submission.
Applies to all modular application Items.
Module 2: Chemistry
There are general guidelines for chemistry and manufacture of agricultural and veterinary products or actives available and you should consider any of the specific guidelines which relate to your product type.
Module 3: Toxicology
This module assesses both toxicological data and scientific argument together with any cited references, which characterise the risks to humans using or coming into contact with the substances in your product or active.
All new agricultural and veterinary substances require consideration under the Poisons Standard, before an active constituent can be approved and a product containing that substance is registered by the APVMA.
Module 5: Residues and trade
Residues assessment includes the establishment of residues definition, maximum residue limits (MRLs), and withholding periods (WHPs), and the assessment of the trade implications including the establishment of any export intervals (EIs).
There are general guidelines for both Residues Part 5A and Overseas trade Part 5B available and you should consider any of the specific guidelines which relate to your product type or extension of use.
Module 6: Work health and safety
Several types of applications for registration of a new chemical product will require WHS assessment for any potential risks to human health.
Module 7: Environment
Where there is any potential risk to the environment, an appropriate environmental assessment is required. This assessment will take into account the expected volume of use; the expected exposure, behaviour and fate of the active constituent(s); and the potential harmful effects on flora and fauna; resulting from use of the product.
Module 8: Efficacy and safety
Efficacy assessment ensures the product works as described on the label when used according to label directions.
Safety assessment ensures the product is safe to use on/in the target crop or animal when used according to label directions.
An efficacy and safety assessment may include assessing the products effect on following crops, non-target crops and germination, effects of residues, organoleptic tests or pharmacologic studies.
Module 9: Non-food trade
The non-food trade module is applied to applications involving trade risks not related to food residues.
Module descriptor 9.a
9.a. A product involving trade risks not related to food residues, including:
residues in fibre; or
genetically modified produce.
Module 10: Special data assessment
This module applies to all applications for registration of a new chemical product or variation of the particulars or conditions of a registered chemical product, which contain active constituents that are new antibiotic substances or which contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) require a Module 10 assessment.
Specifically, you should consider the following guidelines:
This module encompasses administrative steps relating to the finalisation of the application, which can include public consultation, entering the required information into the relevant record or register and the completion of the technical evaluation and risk assessment report, outlining the evaluation of the application.
Module descriptor 11.1A
11.1.a A product where three of more Modules from 2.1 to 10.3 apply.
Module 12: Limits on use of information
Module 12 relates to the protection, handling and use of information provided to the APVMA. In general, the APVMA must not use information given to it in connection with one application to assess or make a decision on another application, except in specific circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, where the applicant has given consent for the information to be shared, or in an emergency situation: see CCI practice statement. This 'limited use data' includes information such as reports, studies and scientific arguments that may or may not include confidential commercial information. The applicant can request the module at the time an application is lodged but the APVMA may also include it once an assessment of the application is undertaken.
Pre-application assistance
Pre-application assistance is available to give applicants advice on the requirements of an application before submission. Tier 2 or 3 pre-application assistance is a requirement for timeshift applications and includes the development of the project plan.
What you need to provide
To meet the application requirements you will need to provide
the project plan agreed to with the APVMA
a completed online application form
the application fee plus any amount that is due to the APVMA
supporting information to demonstrate the proposed product or active will be efficacious and will not cause unintended harm
an information list
consent for use (if any of the information provided is subject to limits of use)
e-label.
Project plan as agreed with APVMA
The project plan is developed and agreed to with the APVMA as part of pre-application assistance (PAA) tier 2 or tier 3.
Please note: the fees referenced in this tailored guidance take effect from 1 July 2020. For a list of fees and charges up to 30 June 2020, please view the timeframe and fees section on our website.
You may choose to:
pay the total fee on submission
pay the preliminary assessment fee of $902 on submission and the remaining balance once the application has been accepted.
You can choose to pay by credit card, electronic funds transfer or BPay.
Note: to meet the application requirements, you must pay any amount (including an amount in respect of a tax or penalty) that is due and payable by you to the APVMA (including under a law of another jurisdiction or the agvet law).
Supporting information
The application must contain, or be accompanied by, information relevant to whether the chemical product meets the safety and efficacy criteria, but only to the extent that the variation proposed affects whether the product meets the safety, efficacy and trade criteria. Applicants should include an explanation of why they believe supporting information is not required if they choose not provide it with the application.
Relevant data for module levels—agricultural chemical products sets out the data that may be relevant to particular assessment modules detailed in the Agvet Regulations. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to provide you with guidance in putting your application together.
Published data and results of Australian field trials, relevant to the criteria for approval of an active constituent or registration of a product described in s.14 of the Agvet Code, may be submitted.
Data guidelines
Relevant data for module levels—agricultural chemical products sets out the data that may be relevant to particular assessment modules detailed in the Agvet Regulations. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to provide you with guidance in putting your application together.
Information list
It is an application requirement that all applications for approval, registration or variation include a short description of each item of information contained in, or accompanying the application—an information list.
Any document (information) submitted with the application constitutes information for the purposes of the information list. This includes supporting information, such as consent for use letters, manufacturer's declarations, MSDS, certificates of analysis and GMP certificates, in addition to the scientific studies or data that may be submitted to specifically address the safety, trade and efficacy criteria.
The online application form contains fields to assist applicants in entering the information required to generate the information list.
Note: Information lists are published, including details of the holders of the information. Applicants should take care not to inadvertently divulge confidential commercial information (CCI) when creating the list.
Electronic label (e-label)
The APVMA must have regard to certain matters or details in order for it to satisfy itself that a label meets the labelling criteria and approve the label (sections 5D and 14 of the Agvet Code). Applicants must use the e-label template to submit the label details that the APVMA must take into account.
Registration of a new insecticide containing a new active constituent for control of aphids in wheat.
The applicant proposes to submit their data in three stages so that chemistry, toxicology, WHS and environment assessments can be started prior to the completion of field trials for efficacy, target safety and residues.
The applicant submits a PAA proposing that chemistry, toxicology, WHS and environment are to be submitted in January, residues in June and efficacy to be submitted in September of Year 1. The APVMA agrees to the project plan and the applicant proceeds to submit a timeshift application.
Figure 1 below shows the different stages of the agreed project plan. The timeframes for each assessment module in the project plan are usually those that would apply if the application was submitted as either an Item 1 or Item 2.
Preliminary Assessment (PA) undertaken—January Year 1
Assessments of the first data packages commence—February Year 1
Submission and assessment of the residue data package commences—June Year 1
Submission and assessments of the efficacy and target safety data package commences—September Year 1
Finalisation (including public consultation) commences—July Year 2
Final decision—September Year 2.
Figure 1 – different stages of an agreed project plan for a timeshift application
The timeshift approach allows the completion of the registration process within a 21 month timeframe. Without the benefit of a timeshift application, the Applicant would not have been able to submit until September of Year 1 when the Efficacy and Safety data was available. This would have resulted in a shorter overall assessment timeframe of 18 months but the assessments would have been scheduled for completion by March Year 3 (6 months beyond that achieved through the timeshift application).
Application type
The application is submitted as a timeshift (Item 27), as the product contains a new active constituent and full submission of chemistry, toxicology, WHS data packages can be made prior to submission of the other data packages.
Modules and fees
Please note: the fees referenced in this tailored guidance take effect from 1 July 2020. For a list of fees and charges up to 30 June 2020, please view the timeframe and fees section on our website.
Module type
Module level
Timeframe
Fee
Preliminary assessment
1
As set out in the agreed project plan
$902
Chemistry
2.1
$11 074
Toxicology
3.1
$27 920
Toxicology—poison scheduling
4.1
$2 435
Residues and trade
5.1
$25 650
Workplace health and safety
6.1
$8 820
Environment
7.1
$26 390
Efficacy and safety
8.1
$4 740
Non-food trade
9
$1 175
Special data
10.1
Nil
Finalisation
11.1
$8 110
Limits of use
12
$460
Total
$117 676
Pre-application assistance
Pre-application assistance is available to give applicants advice on the requirements of an application before submission.
What you should do
If you want to submit an agricultural timeshift application:
You will be redirected to online services to log in.
Veterinary applications: further information
Modules
The APVMA has developed a Guideline for module descriptors to provide guidance as to the modules that will apply for different types of applications. The APVMA will have regard to it, but may depart from it, when determining which modules are necessary on a case by case basis. The guideline is not the law.
Module 1: Preliminary assessment
Preliminary assessment is an initial examination of the application for administrative completeness. It is an administrative check that the form and content of the application meet the application requirements. In other words, the outward look of the application and its accompanying information appears to be in order and complete. It is NOT a completeness check of the technical aspects of your submission.
Applies to all modular application items.
Module 2: Chemistry
There are general guidelines for chemistry and manufacture of agricultural and veterinary products or actives available and you should consider any of the specific guidelines which relate to your product type.
Module 3: Toxicology
This module assesses both toxicological data and scientific argument together with any cited references, which characterise the risks to humans using or coming into contact with the substances in your product or active.
All new agricultural and veterinary substances require consideration under the Poisons Standard, before an active constituent can be approved and a product containing that substance is registered by the APVMA.
Module 5: Residues and trade
Residues assessment includes the establishment of residues definition, maximum residue limits (MRLs), and withholding periods (WHPs), and the assessment of the trade implications including the establishment of any export intervals (EIs).
There are general guidelines for both Residues Part 5A and Overseas trade Part 5B available and you should consider any of the specific guidelines which relate to your product type or extension of use.
Module 6: Work health and safety
Several types of applications for registration of a new chemical product will require WHS assessment for any potential risks to human health.
Module 7: Environment
Where there is any potential risk to the environment, an appropriate environmental assessment is required. This assessment will take into account the expected volume of use; the expected exposure, behaviour and fate of the active constituent(s); and the potential harmful effects on flora and fauna; resulting from use of the product.
Module 8: Efficacy and safety
Efficacy assessment ensures the product works as described on the label when used according to label directions.
Safety assessment ensures the product is safe to use on/in the target crop or animal when used according to label directions.
An efficacy and safety assessment may include assessing the products effect on following crops, non-target crops and germination, effects of residues, organoleptic tests or pharmacologic studies.
Module 9: Non-food trade
The non-food trade module is applied to applications involving trade risks not related to food residues.
Module descriptor 9.a
9.a. A product involving trade risks not related to food residues, including:
residues in fibre; or
genetically modified produce.
the presence of disease or seropositive testing to exotic or notifiable agents.
hormonal growth promotants and other endocrine substances.
Module 10: Special data assessment
This module applies to all applications for registration of a new chemical product or variation of the particulars or conditions of a registered chemical product, which contain active constituents that are new antibiotic substances or which contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) require a module 10 assessment.
Specifically, you should consider the following guidelines:
This module encompasses administrative steps relating to the finalisation of the application, which can include public consultation, entering the required information into the relevant record or register and the completion of the technical evaluation and risk assessment report, outlining the evaluation of the application.
Please note: the fees referenced in this tailored guidance take effect from 1 July 2020. For a list of fees and charges up to 30 June 2020, please view the timeframe and fees section on our website.
Module descriptor 11.1A
11.1.a A product where three or more modules from 2.1 to 10.3 apply.
Module level
Module type
Timeframe
Fee
11.1
Finalisation
3 months
$8 110
Module descriptor 11.2A
11.2.a A product where less than three Modules from 2.1 to 10.3 apply.
Module level
Module type
Timeframe
Fee
11.2
Finalisation
2 months
$3 090
Module 12: Limits on use of information
Module 12 relates to the protection, handling and use of information provided to the APVMA. In general, the APVMA must not use information given to it in connection with one application to assess or make a decision on another application, except in specific circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, where the applicant has given consent for the information to be shared, or in an emergency situation: see CCI practice statement. This 'limited use data' includes information such as reports, studies and scientific arguments that may or may not include confidential commercial information. The applicant can request the module at the time an application is lodged but the APVMA may also include it once an assessment of the application is undertaken.
Pre-application assistance
Pre-application assistance is available to give applicants advice on the requirements of an application before submission. Tier 2 or 3 pre-application assistance is a requirement for timeshift applications and includes the development of the project plan.
What you need to provide
To meet the application requirements you will need to provide
the project plan agreed to with the APVMA
a completed online application form
the application fee plus any amount that is due to the APVMA
supporting information to demonstrate the proposed product or active will be efficacious and will not cause unintended harm
an information list
consent for use (if any of the information provided is subject to limits of use)
e-label.
Project plan as agreed with APVMA
The project plan is developed and agreed to with the APVMA as part of pre-application assistance (PAA) tier 2 or tier 3.
Please note: the fees referenced in this tailored guidance take effect from 1 July 2020. For a list of fees and charges up to 30 June 2020, please view the timeframe and fees section on our website.
You may choose to:
pay the total fee on submission
pay the preliminary assessment fee of $902 on submission and the remaining balance once the application has been accepted.
You can choose to pay by credit card, electronic funds transfer or BPay.
Note: to meet the application requirements, you must pay any amount (including an amount in respect of a tax or penalty) that is due and payable by you to the APVMA (including under a law of another jurisdiction or the agvet law).
Supporting information
The application must contain, or be accompanied by, information relevant to whether the chemical product meets the safety and efficacy criteria. Applicants should include an explanation of why they believe supporting information is not required if they choose not provide it with the application.
Relevant data for module levels—veterinary chemical products sets out the data that may be relevant to particular assessment modules detailed in the Agvet Regulations. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to provide you with guidance in putting your application together.
Published data and results of Australian field trials, relevant to the criteria for approval of an active constituent or registration of a product described in s.14 of the Agvet Code, may be submitted.
Data guidelines
Relevant data for module levels—veterinary chemical products sets out the data that may be relevant to particular assessment modules detailed in the Agvet Regulations. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to provide you with guidance in putting your application together.
Information list
It is an application requirement that all applications for approval, registration or variation include a short description of each item of information contained in, or accompanying the application—an information list.
Any document (information) submitted with the application constitutes information for the purposes of the information list. This includes supporting information, such as consent for use letters, manufacturer's declarations, MSDS, certificates of analysis and GMP certificates, in addition to the scientific studies or data that may be submitted to specifically address the safety, trade and efficacy criteria.
The online application form contains fields to assist applicants in entering the information required to generate the information list.
Note: Information lists are published, including details of the holders of the information. Applicants should take care not to inadvertently divulge confidential commercial information (CCI) when creating the list.
Electronic label (e-label)
The APVMA must have regard to certain matters or details in order for it to satisfy itself that a label meets the labelling criteria and approve the label (sections 5D and 14 of the Agvet Code). Applicants must use the e-label template to submit the label details that the APVMA must take into account.
Register a new ectoparasiticide (pour-on) containing a new active constituent to control blowfly strike on sheep.
The applicant proposes to submit their data in three stages so that chemistry, toxicology, WHS and environment assessments can be started prior to the completion of current field trials for efficacy, target safety and residues.
The applicant submits a PAA proposing that chemistry, toxicology WHS and environment are to be submitted in January Year 1, residues (including non-food trade) in June Year 1 and efficacy and safety to be submitted in September of Year 1. The APVMA agrees to the project plan and the applicant proceeds to submit a timeshift application.
Figure 1 below shows the different stages of the agreed project plan. The timeframes for each assessment module in the project plan are usually those that would apply for new active ingredients subject to level 1 assessments.
Preliminary Assessment (PA) undertaken—January Year 1
Assessments of the first data packages commence—February Year 1
Submission and assessment of the residue and non-food trade data package commences—June Year 1
Submission and assessments of the efficacy and target safety data packages commence—September Year 1
Finalisation (including public consultation) commences—July Year 2.
Final decision—September Year 2.
Figure 1 – different stages of an agreed project plan for a timeshift application
The timeshift approach allows the completion of the registration process within a 21 month timeframe. Without the benefit of a timeshift application, the applicant would not have been able to submit until September of Year 1 when the efficacy and safety data was available. Based on the longest assessment module and preliminary assessment and finalisation, the overall timeframe would have been 19 months with completion by March Year 3 (7 months beyond that achieved through the timeshift application).
Application type
The application is submitted as a timeshift (Item 27), as the product contains a new active constituent and full submission of chemistry, toxicology, WHS and environment data packages can be made prior to submission of the other data packages.
Modules and fees
Please note: the fees referenced in this tailored guidance take effect from 1 July 2020. For a list of fees and charges up to 30 June 2020, please view the timeframe and fees section on our website.
Module type
Module level
Timeframe
Fee
Preliminary assessment
1
As set out in the agreed project plan
$902
Chemistry
2.1
$11 074
Toxicology
3.1
$27 920
Toxicology—poison scheduling
4.1
$2 435
Residues and trade
5.1
$25 650
Workplace health and safety
6.1
$8 820
Environment
7.1
$26 390
Efficacy and safety
8.1
$4 740
Non-food trade
9
$1 175
Special data
10.1
Nil
Finalisation
11.1
$8 110
Limits of use
12
$460
Total
$117 676
Pre-application assistance
Pre-application assistance is available to give applicants advice on the requirements of an application before submission.
What you should do
If you want to submit a veterinary timeshift application:
You will be redirected to online services to log in.