Lead time is one important thing to know, especially in the early stage of product approval certification process. Through accurate information regarding the lead time, manufacturer can estimate the total time required to finish an approval process. This information is so useful especially when manufacturer wants to make product forecast and launch schedule. So, after all, buyers can get accurate prediction of when the product can be available in the market.
Duration of lead time depends on certification approach taken by the applicant to finish approval certification. For example, if we take paperwork approach, approval process can be finished faster. But when we take local test approach, lead time can take longer than paperwork. Therefore, to know the actual duration of the lead time, it is important to know the certification approach taken.
Particularly for Australia Type Approval, the application process is done through paperwork approach. That’s why lead time required to finish the process is relatively faster than other countries who obligate local testing. For Australia, if the documents are completed, it only needs around 5 working days to finish the approval.
This short lead time can be achieved because the process is basically only technical review on submitted reports. After the documents are reviewed by the responsible certification body, the certification body will issue compliance statement. This statement is basically to state that the product has passed the evaluation and complied with the applied standard. After that, importer needs to sign the statement letter, and the product is ready to sell in Australia.
Then, how long Australia Type Approval Certificate will be valid and acceptable for import? This certificate is valid for 5 years. During 5 years from the issuance date of the certificate, applicant is granted a right to import, sell, or use the product in Australia. After the 5 years period ends, the certificate needs to be renewed. Renewal process will be the same as the initial certification process. So, if after 5 years from certificate issuance you still want to sell the product in Australia, make sure the certificate is renewed.
Why We Care
As mentioned earlier, it is important to make a product forecast before sending the product to the market. By having the accurate forecast, manufacturer can present the accurate estimate to the buyer about when they will get the product on their side, or when the product will be available in the market. In Dimulti, we will make sure that the informed lead time at the beginning of the process is accurate. So, we can minimize surprising lead time change during the process.