MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

We always value member feedback - we are proud to share the latest testimonial received from Ashley Agius (Director, Asea360 Consolidation) available HERE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

ENGAGEMENT WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS DRIVING REFORM

FTA and APSA continue to liaise with producer groups including a detailed presentation yesterday to the Grain Producers policy council meeting - refer HERE.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

A full list of our extensive ongoing media coverage is available HERE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

FTA proudly supported the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) International Women's Day Breakfast Series.

Refer below to the latest Care-Factor promotion with Caroline Zalai (FTA/APSA) interviewing Lawrence Christoffelsz (Import Export TV)

Always good to see Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) members in attendance, Amanda Bradfield and Jenni Tiernan from EES Shipping - well done also to Aleks Henderson from Export Finance Australia for chairing the Q&A (picture - l to r - Darryl Daisley, Amanda Bradfield, John Park)

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

ALL licenced customs brokers are reminded to check their FTA Attainment Statement and complete their mandatory CPD training by 31 March 2024 to meet your customs broker licencing requirements for the current period. A total of 30 CPD points must be achieved, with a maximum of 12 CPD Points in Stream B and unlimited in Stream A.

The mandatory Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) Activity 23-24/01: List of Treatment Providers (DAFF) - CPD0123 should already have been completed by Class 19.1 NCCC accredited persons which provided you with 3 CPD Points in Stream A which can be counted towards your annual CPD Points.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) mandatory module must also be completed by 31 March 2024 and will provide you with a further 3 CPD Points in Stream B (refer below).

FTA offers a member online training package for $165 with further discounts for bulk registrations. 

If you need assistance or would like to purchase a package for the 2024-2025 customs broker licensing period, please contact Sally or Caroline on training@FTAlliance.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE (ABF) MANDATORY CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) MODULE

ABF advised under the Australian Customs Notice No. 2023/23 that 
ALL licensed customs brokers must complete this mandatory module by 31 March 2024

Please NOTE it is ONLY available via the ABF Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) training portal - read more.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) have issued ACN 2024/10 to advise industry of the process for updating their Customs Broker Licenses for the period 1 July 2024 thru 30 June 2027. Please ensure your details are up to date and when received you action the renewal paperwork promptly by the deadline. READ MORE.

FTA SECTION 77G DEPOT & APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FORUMS

LIMITED CAPACITY - DELEGATES TO BE ALLOCATED ON A "FIRST IN" BASIS

FTA, APSA and CTAA are delighted to host a series of upcoming Depot Forums where the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) senior officers will deliver presentations on emerging reforms and current compliance activity to assist in managing your Section 77G Depot and Approved Arrangement facilities. READ MORE

1 MAY 2024 : FTA NSW Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
10 MAY 2024 : FTA WA Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
15 MAY 2024 : FTA VIC Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 
11 JUNE 2024 : FTA QLD Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 

EARLY BIRD RATES AVAILABLE - REGISTER NOW TO SECURE THE BEST PRICE!

2024 CPD BORDER COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

3 MAY 2024 : NSW CPD Border Compliance Program 
4 MAY 2024 : NSW CPD Border Compliance Program
11 MAY 2024 : WA CPD Border Compliance Program 
31 MAY 2024 : VIC CPD Border Compliance Program
1 JUNE 2024 : VIC CPD Border Compliance Program
12 JUNE 2024 : QLD CPD Border Compliance Program

By registering for one of the above events you will receive a minimum of 21 customs broker Continuing Professional Developments (CPD) points issued on an attendance basis for the customs broker licensing period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and complimentary online CPD and CBC access to meet your licensing and approved arrangement requirements for the period.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

We are sad to advise that the industry has lost yet another stalwart. Michael was a keen tennis player and for many years, organised the Brokers v Customs annual tennis match at Illawarra Association Tennis Courts.
A service for Michael Foster will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church, cnr Rosa Street and Frederick Street Oatley at 11am on Friday 22 March 2024.

LOGISTICS

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Inbound connects thousands of participants in licensed Sec 77G Depot and Sec 79 Warehouses around Australia through its technology platform - FTA has partnered with Inbound to provide industry with an easy way to procure compliant WADSICs. -  READ MORE 

SEAFREIGHT

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), as part of the Consultative Group for the Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), are preparing a response to Issues Paper 4 focussing on Green Shipping Corridors and Partnerships which was recently released by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (the Department).

READ MORE      Member Log In Required

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

Published 14 March 2024

International Terminal Service Fee invoices covering the period from 24 Sep 2023 commenced distribution in early Jan 2024. The latest invoice covering the week of 28 Jan to 3 Feb 2024 is being distributed to the normal recipients for invoices via email from 13 Mar 2024. All remaining outstanding invoices will be distributed in the coming weeks and we'll keep you updated on when they're available.

dnata gains IATA's CEIV lithium battery certification across 11 stations globally

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has received the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) accreditation for the safe and compliant handling of lithium batteries.  READ MORE

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

The Department has advised the return of the Cargo Operations Snapshot. Members will see a few changes one of which is the addition of a section on Cargo Compliance. When viewing the report we suggest members note the Data Definitions on page 3.

March 18 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Navigating Compliance with Australia's Illegal Logging Prohibition Laws - WEBINAR

Since 2012, Australia has had laws to combat illegal logging and promote the trade of legal timber products. These laws are set out in the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012. If you import wood, pulp or paper products into Australia these laws affect you. You have legal responsibilities and need to know your obligations.

Further information regarding the webinar is available HERE

Notices:

BORDER

This launch has been long awaited and is a significant milestone allowing the customs community to propose future-focused trial ideas that may streamline or improve trade related processes and technology. The guidance material has been updated and merged with the trial proposal submission form.  This is now live on the ABF "Propose a trial" page on the website. READ MORE

Depot penalties  - FTA seeking member feedback for informed compliance program

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is receiving advice from members indicating an alarming increase in the number of Australian Border Force (ABF) Infringement Notices being issued against Depot facilities licensed in accordance with Sec 77G of the Customs Act. FTA is seeking further feedback from members with details of the Infringement Notices to ascertain trends in the ABF focus and areas where concerted informed compliance attention is required.

Please send details of the Infringement Notice and associated circumstances to Tom Jensen (Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA). All material will be treated on a confidential basis. READ MORE

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

Where customs duty has been paid on goods through manifest error of fact, and the goods were invoiced as part of the contents of packages but not received (i.e. short-shipped), the importer may apply for a refund of customs duty paid on the goods not received using refund reasons code SS READ MORE

The Australian Government will abolish around 500 nuisance tariffs in the biggest unilateral tariff reform in two decades to boost productivity, reduce compliance costs for businesses and ease the cost of living for Australian families by over $120 million over the next four years. Treasury is seeking views from interested parties on the nuisance tariffs selected for removal ahead of finalisation of the list of tariffs. Have Your Say

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Update Week Ending 18th March 2024

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  
 LOGIN REQUIRED 

In this issue of "Export Update" we look at

• The celebration of the 50 year partnership at the ASEAN-Australia special summit

• Growing business between Australia and Southeast Asia

• Latest agri trade data and insights

  READ MORE

Anti-Dumping Notices Week Ending 18th March 2024

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
 LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:

WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED 

13.9.2023 : Webinars & Recordings ... login required

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

2023 sponsorship prospectus is available HERE