FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Freight Rates contributing to Cost-of-Living Crisis - Spot & NAC rates increasing

While shipping lines claim spot rate increases are the result of the current supply and demand imbalance, it is disturbing to hear that some are reneging on Named Account (NAC) agreed rates and holding subsequent import consignments on a lien basis until payments are made. We encourage members to provide any examples of the above to Tom Jensen (Head of International Freight & Logistics – FTA/APSA) for referral to our legal counsel and to assist with our broader advocacy for reforms in line with the Productivity Commission's findings in their review of Australia's Maritime Logistics System - refer HERE.  

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Postponement of Biosecurity Protection Levies - Domestic Producers & E-Commerce Cargo Reporters

While the Domestic Producer levy will not proceed on 1 July 2024, the concept remains alive with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to progress renewed discussions with FTA, APSA and other peak industry bodies as a part of the recently established Sustainable Biosecurity Funding Advisory Panel. 

As outlined in Import Industry Advice Notice 119-2024, implementation of this new charge (e-commerce cargo reporter levy) will now commence on 1 October 2024 with the intent to provide sufficient time for DAFF to engage with industry to address outstanding concerns in administering the arrangements.

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

MeshedUp's innovative machine learning solution stands out as a game-changer. Their docMesh platform is revolutionising document management by instantly organising documents with superior accuracy compared to human sorting. It was exciting to see how MeshedUp's technology can transform our industry, making data more accessible and usable for businesses worldwide.

As the FTA representative, Bianca Flint, Member Support - Trade Operations, said the forum provided a fantastic opportunity for open and frank discussion between DFAT and government partners and Australian peak bodies on our trade policy negotiation. This tied in with Senator Hon Don Farrell's recent media release on the 21 May 2024 - Trade and investment to power a future made in Australia | Minister for Trade and Tourism (trademinister.gov.au)

Gary, along with Rhyss Williams and I, also had time to catch up and discuss the effects that are being seen industry wide as a result of ongoing geopolitical issues and a recent spate of rate increases, which are adding more and more to cost of living pressures.

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 LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE TRAINING PLATFORM - "MYFTACPD"

FTA is delighted to announce the new training platform "MYFTACPD" is now LIVE.

The upgraded platform provides:

• the removal of the need for promotional codes with personal profile libraries automatically populated with current course content through the customs broker licensing period
• high quality training content and resources;
• secure and easy to use 'self-service' login functionality;
• migration of previous history from the legacy system allowing licensed customs brokers to access their online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Attainment Statements for the current and previous periods;

Interested in purchasing a member online training package for the current customs broker licensing period. Please contact Caroline on czalai@FTAlliance.com.au.

We are looking forward to raising funds for our two beneficiaries, Childhood Dementia Initiative and Dolly's Dream.This is a fabulous night not to be missed so start organising your table now. 

ALL profits from the event going to our chosen charities.

LOGISTICS

The benefits of direct shipping into the Pilbara from Rio Tinto

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

To keep abreast of the bridgeworks, you are encouraged to regularly check the Main Roads' project website: Swan River Crossings | Main Roads Western Australia and subscribe for updates. READ MORE

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

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.

• 20 JUNE 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. 

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.

June 24 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Class 19.2 (AEPCOMM) Approved Arrangement- Survey results and Expansion of Scheme

The results of the Freight & Trade Alliance's (FTA) Class 19.2 AEPCOMM Survey are now available and we extend our sincere gratitude to the 80 customs brokers who participated and contributed to the survey's success.The findings have been analysed and presented to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) demonstrating FTA's continued dedication to supporting the development of strategies that improve AEPCOMM. 
Customs Broker - AEPCOMM Survey

Question 4 of the survey enquired whether members believed the continued expansion of AEPCOMM to be beneficial. An overwhelming 88.8% of respondents affirmed this view. We are therefore pleased to see the expansion of the AEPCOMM scheme as announced in Import Industry Advice Notice 131-2024

FTA look forward to collaborating further with the Department, providing industry insights, and assisting in shaping a more effective AEPCOMM scheme.

Notices:

BORDER

During one such meeting, the topic of border processing was addressed prompting us to update our Broker Toolbox concerning Cargo Holds and FCL Storage Concessions. We would like to thank the ABF for their input in developing this toolbox to assist frontline Customs Brokers.  READ MORE (Member Log In Required)

Notices:

TRADE

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been invited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to make a submission on the above. Your participation is highly valued and will contribute significantly to the DFAT inquiry. We look forward to valuable input from members. 

To share your views, please contact SMilici@FTAlliance.com.au by close of business Friday 26 July 2024.

For further information about the Roadmap, please visit the DFAT website HERE.

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 24th June 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 24th June 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.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE