Communication between applicants and the APVMA

The Agvet Code requires the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to notify you when certain things happen through the course of an application’s assessment. We can provide this notification through standard post or electronically (we require your consent to do so).

If you give your consent, we can send information electronically such as notices, issuing a certificate, or giving a statement of reasons. We can also give consent to receive information from you electronically. If we consent, you may also provide information electronically to us such as notification to withdraw an application or make a request. In some cases, we only accept information in electronic form, including providing a data list or providing relevant particulars for label approval.

What applicants can expect from the APVMA

The APVMA is committed to providing quality, science-based, legislatively rigorous and efficient regulation that is open, transparent, and informed by the expectations of all our stakeholders.

We place a high value on:

• being courteous, considerate, impartial, consistent, honest, ethical, and professional
• providing explanations of our processes and requirements in a form you can understand
• processing applications efficiently and within statutory timeframes
• maintaining high standards of quality
• making decisions in line with the APVMA's governing legislation
• listening and responding to what you tell us.

We will keep you informed through:

• notifying you of decisions made regarding an application and if additional information is required
• making all public information available on our website
• responding promptly and accurately to requests about our programs, functions and services.

What we expect from applicants

The APVMA expects applicants to submit applications that are complete, free of errors, and accompanied by the required information and the prescribed fee (if applicable). Applications need to contain information that satisfies us they meet the statutory criteria (safety, efficacy, trade and labelling) where relevant.

We expect applicants to fully consider the regulatory responsibilities of becoming a holder of an approval or registration prior to submitting an application.

We also expect applicants to familiarise themselves with our application requirements and adhere to the APVMA’s customer service charter so that quality applications are submitted.

Applicants are expected to:

• treat our staff with courtesy and respect
• give us sufficient time to respond to your requests
• be open and honest in your dealings with us
• supply all the information required to support your applications.

When we will notify applicants

If you have applied for a certificate for exporting agricultural and veterinary chemical products, we will notify you when:

• an application has been received
• further clarification or information is required
• a certificate has been issued
• an application has been refused.