Raelene Vivian, the Department of Agriculture's First Assistant Secretary Compliance Division, said clients will benefit from more efficient interactions with the department.
"More than 31 million sea and air containers and canisters were imported into Australia last financial year," Vivian said.
One million lodgements per year
"The Department of Agriculture currently processes up to one million separate lodgements of documentation each year to support these arrivals.
"The documents are emailed, faxed or lodged in person at a front counter, adding time and expense to the process.
"As part of a progressive implementation approach, we have today rolled out the new Cargo Online Lodgement System to some importers and brokers that should account for approximately 20 per cent of the lodgements we receive.
Check online
"The new system allows clients to submit the import documentation, as well as check the progress of their lodgements, online.
"The initial group of clients was selected based on a representative cross-section to ensure the functionality of the new cargo system delivers on its intended purpose before its full release."
The Department of Agriculture is committed to delivering high-quality services, and has implemented a service delivery modernisation programme, which aims to streamline and improve business processes and client service through better use of modern technology.
"Introducing new technology is just one of the ways the department is modernising, with the launch of the Cargo Online Lodgement System representing an important first step," Vivian said.
It is anticipated that the new system will be available to all importers and brokers nationally in early 2015.
