FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) | Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been invited to make submissions to a number of upcoming reviews noted below. FTA / APSA members can have their say either directly or by sending their comments through to the noted FTA / APSA contact for inclusion in our submissions.

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee seeks submissions to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 [Provisions]. Please provide feedback to Bianca Flint by COB Wednesday 29 May 2024. READ MORE

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) is seeking submissions regarding a significant new treaty action - Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience

This is a valuable opportunity for us to provide insights and expertise on this crucial agreement. To share your views, please contact Sal Milici by close of business Friday 31 May 2024 READ MORE

The Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth (JSCTIG) is asking for submissions to the Inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities under Free Trade Agreements

Your participation is highly valued and will contribute significantly to the Committee's inquiry. We look forward to valuable input from members. To share your views, please contact Sal Milici by close of business Friday 14 June 2024 READ MORE

Review of the Customs (Australian Trusted Trader Programme) Rule 2015 

Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program is currently seeking feedback on the next evolution of the program, informally referred to as ATT 2.0. This also includes a review of the Customs (Australian Trusted Trader Programme) Rule 2015 (the ATT Rule 2015). 

Accredited Trusted Traders are encouraged to provide feedback direct to the Australian Border Force (ABF) using a writable PDF and sending this to TrustedTrader@abf.gov.au by Friday 21 June 2024, or provide commentary to Sal Milici for inclusion in the FTA submission.

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Freight & Trade Alliance and Pledge join forces to drive innovation in sustainability

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is delighted to announce our partnership with Pledge, a pioneer in supply chain transparency and sustainability. This partnership aligns with our mission to empower our members with innovative solutions.
As a part of our member support, a Freight Emissions Calculator has been developed in partnership with Pledge, allowing users to trial Pledge's leading carbon emissions technology, helping them understand their customers' freight emissions across various transport modes, globally. READ MORE

Pledge partners with Australian and Canadian freight forwarder associations

FTA and CIFFA have embedded the Pledge Freight Emissions Calculator into their websites, granting members the chance to trial Pledge's carbon emissions calculation capabilities without needing to sign up to the Pledge platform.

"Pledge is committed to providing emissions measurement and reporting solutions to freight forwarders across the globe," said David de Picciotto, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder, Pledge. READ MORE (courtesy The Loadstar)

Software firm Pledge supports members of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) and Australia's Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) with its sustainability expertise. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

As a part of direct engagement with the Australian Border Force (ABF) on Saturday 20 April 2024, advice has been received that due to a number of factors it is likely that customs brokers will NOT receive their 'Application for renewal of Customs Broker Licence' renewal packs until mid to late May. READ MORE

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

FTA will be transitioning to an upgraded training platform for the new customs broker licensing period. All completion history will be available on the new site. We look forward to launching MYFTACPD with new topics for completion prior to going live. Further details will follow soon.

For further information, please contact Caroline on czalai@FTAlliance.com.au.

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
 

11 JUNE 2024: FTA QLD Section 77G & Approved Arrangement Forum 

2024 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

This years Care-Factor Christmas in July Ball has been set for Friday the 26th July 2024 at the iconic Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. It will be a fantastic night as we come together as one to raise funds for two special charities.

A huge thank you for our sponsors that have come onboard to support Care-Factor 2024.
Blueprint Global, Think Global Logistics Direct Couriers NSW Ports, Menzies Aviation, OneStop. TT Club, WiseTech Global, Bonds Transport Group Pty Ltd, Import Export TV DCN - Daily Cargo News,

LOGISTICS

Qube's wholly-owned AAT will pay $332.5 million for MIRRAT, which is said to be Australia's largest automotive port terminal and was established in 2016 after WW won a 2014 Port of Melbourne tender to redevelop and operate the three Webb Dock West berths.READ MORE (courtesy the DCN)

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

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 

Notices:

SEAFREIGHT

AMSA focus on Shipper compliance with Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirements

Providing accurate container weight plays a critical role in ensuring containerships are loaded safely and that containers can be reliably secured. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has a current focus in Victoria to ensure shippers of containers are accurately measuring verified gross mass (VGM) through one of the two accepted methods, and that VGM is accurately and reliably recorded on shipping documents. READ MORE

PART X Competition & Consumer Act

The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) is the designated peak shipper body granted status by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport under Part X of the Consumer & Competition Act to represent the interests of Australian shippers generally in relation to liner cargo shipping services. The following notice has been received and is available to members' reference.

• 27 MAY 2024: Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event – for Capricorn Service inwards and outwards

• 27 MAY 2024: Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event – for China to Australia Service inwards and outwards   

• 24 MAY 2024: Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - Kiwi Express Service inwards and outwards

• 22 MAY 2024: Part X: Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - NEAX/A1X/AUE/NAX Inwards and Outwards service  

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

QANTAS Freight Operations

Please refer the Qantas Freight site for updates on operational matters. 

Swissport have revised International Terminal Service Fess as of 1 July 2024

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) have received advice from Swissport regarding a revision to their International Terminal Service Fees, which will come into effect from 1 July 2024: 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.

May 27 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

FTA members would be aware from previous updates, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will administer a new cost recovery charge for biosecurity clearance of declared low value goods (valued at AUD $1,000 or less ) being brought into Australia by air or sea. FTA has maintained an ongoing focus on the new arrangements (scheduled to commence 1 July 2024) at a policy level and will continue to advocate for  deferment beyond July 1 whilst a number of issues raised by members / industry are addressed.  READ MORE.

Notices:

BORDER

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

Notices:
24.5.2024 : ABF - Australian Customs Notice No. 2024/14 Application for Customs Broker Licences ... read more
24.5.2024 : AFP - Multimillion-dollar MDMA haul found hidden in vans on cargo ship in WA ... read more
24 MAY 2024 : AFP - Spanish-Bolivian dual national charged over cocaine import ... read more
24.5.2024 : ABF muscles out alleged steroid importer and manufacturer ... read more
24.5.2024 : NZ Customs Release Issue 744... read more
22.5.2024 : ABF - TC Gazette 24-20 ... read more
22.5.2024 : ABF - Australian Customs Notice No. 2024/15 Cheese and Curd Quota Scheme – Allocations for 2024-2025 ... read more

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 27th May 2024

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

Australian Border Force (ABF) has released Australian Customs Notice (ACN) 2024/15 advising they will shortly contact Cheese and Curd Quota Scheme (the Scheme) holders to discuss quota allocations for 2024-2025. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has written to the Minister for Trade and Tourism advocating that the Scheme should either be repealed in its entirety (meaning that all importers pay import duties as applicable), or it be modernised to allow fair and reasonable access to all qualifying importers.
 
We encourage members feedback to assist in progressing this reform. READ MORE (member login required)

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 27th May 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