Appeals

Grounds for an appeal

Identify the specific issue and its effect on the decision.

An appeal examines the stated issue and the record. A preference for a different result, without a factual or procedural ground, is not in itself an appeal ground.

• A step in the published procedure was not followed.
• Relevant evidence already submitted was materially overlooked or misread.
• An undeclared interest affected the independence of the assessment.

The appeal period

Submit within 30 calendar days of the decision notice. The application shows the decision date. If exceptional circumstances prevented a timely request, explain those circumstances in the appeal.

There is no procedural appeal fee. Optional purchases have no bearing on access to an appeal or its outcome.

What to include

Keep the grounds specific and connect them to the relevant part of the record.

• The entry and decision reference.
• The factual or procedural issue you believe occurred.
• The submitted document, page or passage concerned.
• How the issue could have affected the result and the outcome you seek.
• Any new material, clearly identified with an explanation of why it is relevant.

Independent review of the appeal

A person who did not make the original decision considers the appeal and any relevant interests. The written outcome explains the reasons and any further action.

The outcome can uphold or correct the decision, set it aside or return the entry for a fresh assessment. Any resulting change to a public record follows the publication and correction process.

Changed products and new applications

A new formulation, a different intended use or substantial new evidence is not automatically a procedural appeal. Report a change to an existing award or make a new entry where the subject of assessment has changed.

• Reporting product changes