Customs Amendment (Strengthening and Modernising Licensing and Other Measures) Bill 2024

On 22 August 2024 the Customs Amendment (Strengthening and Modernising Licensing and Other Measures) Bill 2024 was passed by the Parliament presented to the Governor-General for assent. This bill (which amends the Customs Act 1901, looks to streamline processes and requirements for the licensing regime for customs brokers, depots and warehouses; enable the digitisation of certain applications and forms;. It also amends the AusCheck Act 2007 to enable the disclosure of information relating to transport security identification cards. READ MORE

For over twelve months, FTA has been actively consulting with DAFF to advocate for reforms and provide guidance to our members regarding the new legislation and its impact on customs brokers and corporate brokerages. At the recent webinar, the key takeaway was that under the new legislation, the Community Protection Question (CPQ) related to Illegal Logging was not legally mandated. This has allowed DAFF to collaborate with FTA and industry stakeholders to ensure that compliance with the new legislation is the responsibility of the importer, rather than the customs broker. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our members who have actively engaged with us over the past few months on this issue. This is a win for customs brokers, and it was made possible with the support of our members.  READ MORE

Brett Charlton Joins the FTA Team

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Our discussion covered a range of critical topics, including Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry upcoming SAC cost recovery fee and the Australian Border Force licensing regime.

Engaging with leaders like Ken is invaluable as it helps us stay well-informed to better represent our entire membership.

Craig's move to Port of Brisbane is a testament to the high calibre of professionals driving Australia's port industry forward.

On top of that, ALS also has flexible office space available. It's great to see how ALS is helping businesses streamline their logistics needs with such efficiency and professionalism.

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

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.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been fielding enquiries from members as to the dates for the above mandatory units to be completed in this CPD/CBC year. The latest advice we have from both agencies is as follows.

ABF - the unit is currently being finalised and likely to be released late September
DAFF - the unit is expected  to be available for members to complete in February 2025

FTA will keep members advised as more information is available

LOGISTICS

Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA), together with Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and CoRsafe, will be hosting a series of half-day Seminars across Australia on Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices with Federal funding support through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI - administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator).
 
Save these dates in each capital city container port and three regional locations (8.30am to 2pm, including morning tea and a light lunch):

• BRISBANE: Wednesday, 16 October 2024  

• TOOWOOMBA: Thursday, 17 October 2024

• SYDNEY: Tuesday, 22 October 2024

• MELBOURNE: Tuesday, 29 October 2024

• SHEPPARTON: Thursday, 31 October 2024

• WAGGA WAGGA: Friday, 1 November 2024

• PORT ADELAIDE: Tuesday, 19 November 2024

• FREMANTLE: Wednesday, 20 November 2024

You'll hear from the regulators about your Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and other legislative obligations, as well as from experts in load restraint, safe container handling practices, insurance & legal, with practical advice and resources available

More information will be published shortly on how to register and get involved.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in relation to the commencement of the 2024-25 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Risk Season on 1 September 2024. READ MORE

Australia's largest general cargo and container port, Port of Melbourne, has secured a long-term lease with the Victorian Government to access additional land that will bolster Victoria's supply chain efficiency and resilience. READ MORE

Notice of Temporary Obstruction of Oversize Gates on Tydeman Road, North Fremantle

We anticipate a possible contingency period of 1-2 days should any unforeseen circumstances arise. Please note that the oversize gates on Napier Road will remain fully operational during this time.

DP World, the world's leading provider of smart logistics solutions, has completed the acquisition of Cargo Services Far East Ltd – a global supply chain provider headquartered in Hong Kong.
 
As one of the earliest foreign logistics service providers entering the China market, Cargo Services has established an extensive portfolio of solutions including supply chain management services for retail and high-fashion customers in the US, UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. READ MORE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

In this months' issue these are just some of the events that ICHCA looks at;

• Megatrans 2024

• New CEO at AMSA

• Hydrogen demand will require hundreds of additional shipe
  READ MORE

SEAFREIGHT

TT calls for concerted effort to arrest ship fire proliferation

The occurrence of four major incidents aboard container ships, two in port and another two at sea within the last four months has prompted TT to reiterate its long standing fervent message for shippers and those facilitating the supply chain to be more diligent over how their cargoes are classified, packaged, packed, declared and handled. READ MORE

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.

30 August 2024 :     Part X : Notice of the Happening of an Affecting Event - for Capricorn Service

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Industry Survey on Approved Arrangements for Container Inspection and Cleaning

Under the Hitchhiker Pest Program, DAFF are developing a new policy for managing biosecurity risks associated with containers. The proposed policy involves new types of approved arrangements, particularly in wharf and port areas. 

The survey provides industry the opportunity to: 

• Indicate whether these approved arrangements would be of interest to you.

• Identify any concerns you may have.

• Provide any comments or suggestions on what is proposed. 

Your input will help the department to refine policy and implementation processes for these arrangements. 

The "Have Your Say" consultation will be open from the 27 August 2024 to 5pm on Tuesday 8 October. READ MORE

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

2 September 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Notices:

BORDER

In the August issue we look at;

•  Preview the Categorisation Guidelines (version 3)

•  2023-24 annual declarations

• New assessment statements published
  READ MORE

Notices:
2.9.2024 :  AFP - Pair jailed over $36,000 card shimming scam ... read more
30.8.2024 : ABF - Australian Customs Notice No. 2024/28 Application for Customs Broker Licences ... read more
30.8.2024 : NZ Customs Release ... read more
29.8.2024 : ABF officers prove a real drag to ciggie smugglers; visas gone in a puff of smoke ... read more
28.8.2024 : AFP alerts Australians to common cryptocurrency investment scam tactics for Scams Awareness Week ... read more
28.8.2024 : AFP statement ... read more
28.8.2024 : ABF TC Gazette ... read more
28.8.2024 : Operation Firestorm to target cyber scammers cheating Australians ... read more
28.8.2024 : AFP alerts Australians to common cryptocurrency investment scam tactics for Scams Awareness Week ... read more
27.8.2024 : Australian Border Force intercepts shipment of almost 12 million illegal cigarettes ... read more

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 2nd September 2024

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

Have you signed up for our free webinars yet? Get in quick – the webinars are on this Wednesday and Thursday, 4 and 5 September 2024. Register now to find out about changes to the EMDG program and details for the next round, Round 4, including how to prepare and apply.

Remember Round 4 covers a 2-year period. Successful applicants will be offered grant agreements for up to 2 years (2025-26 to 2026-27). READ MORE

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 2nd September 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