NSW Freight Policy Reform - Interim Directions Paper - Call for Feedback

In April, the Freight Policy Reform Consultation Paper was published, with FTA/APSA subsequently making a formal submission drawing on the invaluable feedback provided by our members. The Interim Directions Paper, released on 11 September 2024 outlines key themes and proposed actions for consultation.

Members are invited to an information session with the Independent Advisory Panel on Monday, 23 September 2024, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, (AEST) to discuss the Paper and the consultation process. Registration is open until Friday, 20 September 2024 and members can register here.

Submissions for the Interim Directions Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by 16 October 2024 for incorporation into the FTA/APSA submission.

Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) Consultation Paper - Call for Feedback

The MLETR, developed by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), seeks to confirm that electronic transferable records, such as bills of lading and bills of exchange, have the same legal standing as their paper counterparts. This initiative, aimed at creating efficiencies and promoting digital trade, involves extensive collaboration with stakeholders across industry, border agencies, and state/territory governments. 

the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) has launched a public consultation on the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), an important step towards modernising trade documentation in Australia. S

ubmissions for the MLETR Consultation Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by Friday 18 October 2024 for incorporation into the FTA / APSA submission. READ MORE

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

INFORMATION SESSIONS for new self-service cargo status reports

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will soon be able to provide, via interactive online reports, details of all entries in progress that have been referred to the department for biosecurity assessment or management under an approved arrangement class 19. This will allow you to self-service and check on the status of your consignments without having to call the department. READ MORE (login required)

26 September 2024 : 2024 Senior & Retired Customs Brokers Luncheon (NSW) - LAST CALL Bookings close Tomorrow Wed 18 September
16 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Brisbane 
17 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Toowoomba 
22 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Sydney 
29 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Melbourne 
31 October 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Shepparton 
1 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Wagga Wagga
19 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Port Adelaide 
20 November 2024 : Safe Container Loading & Transport Practices Seminar - Fremantle 
20 November 2024 : Freight quoting revolutionised presented by NAVLAB 

LOGISTICS

Nominations for the above awards to be held at the Plaza Ballroom In Melbourne on 21 November, 2024 are now open. Have a look at the categories and nominate now.  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

Notices:

SEAFREIGHT

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

To ensure members continue to receive the latest and up to date information from dnata, Tom Jensen, Head of International Freight & Logistics and John Park, Head of Business Operations at FTA, this morning (17 September) met with Keith Filander, Director Cargo Operations, Australia and his senior management team to ensure FTA continue to have access to managers and communications to ensure members / industry are kept well informed of dnata operations.

As a critical air freight gateway, Melbourne Airport handles over 40% of the nation's air freight exports, moving $1.8 billion in goods annually. READ MORE

Qantas Freight Operations

On 4 September 2024, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a nationwide rejection of vague cargo descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) for any freight arriving or transiting in the US. The new policy takes effect from 7 October 2024.

From this date, ACAS files will need to include more detailed cargo descriptions. Any non-compliant, vague descriptors will be rejected and freight will not be loaded at origin until the cargo descriptions have been amended to be compliant.  READ MORE

From 6am 16 September to 4pm 17 September 2024, scheduled maintenance of ETV equipment will be conducted at our Melbourne International Terminal. During this time, deliveries may be delayed so please account for this when collecting or lodging your freight. 
Further information can be found on the Qantas Melbourne International Terminal page.

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

The Turkish flag carrier will initially operate four weekly 329-seat A350-900 flights from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur starting on 5 December, with non-stop services to begin in 2026. The route will make Sydney into Australia's biggest port for Turkish Airlines. READ MORE ( credit Australian Aviation )

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Luckens Fumigation Services are also members of the Biosecurity Treatment Providers Reference Group (BTPRG) who liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on all treatment requirements and methodology changes

Self-Assessed Clearances (SAC) cost recovery charge: One charging model for all SAC reporters

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has been made aware of misinformation circulating regarding the implementation of the SAC cost recovery charge. This misinformation is centred around the application of the SAC charge to the Australian Postal Corporation.
READ MORE (login required)

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 

16 September 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Notices:

BORDER

Notices:
16.9.2024 :  AFP - Perth man jailed over the importation of meth concealed in notebooks ... read more
13.9.2024 : NZ Customs Release ... read more
11.9.2024 : ABF - TC Gazette ... read more

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 16th September 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 16th 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