Customs Compliance Update - Spring 2024 WEBINAR

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

The Australian Government is reviewing the Coastal Trading Act (CTA), which regulates the licensing of vessels for coastal shipping between Australian ports. The CTA was introduced in 2012 to revive the declining Australian shipping industry, which now has 11 major trading vessels operating under general licences.

FTA/APSA will be making a submission and are seeking member feedback on these consultation papers to incorporate into a formal submission. 
Please forward your views to Tom Jensen to have your views included into the FTA/APSA submission – member feedback required by 5pm AEDT, Friday 25 October 2024.READ MORE

Industrial land is critical to the local, state and national economy 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) joined NSW Ports and other leading industry representatives to collectively voice concerns following NSW Productivity Commission proposal to weaken existing, essential, policies to retain the industrial lands.The consequence of reducing industrial land supply in Sydney is potentially higher cost of living from reduced productivity, reduced job creation and higher transport congestion and emissions. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

It's essential for Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) to maintain strong connections with our diverse membership, particularly hearing the voices of our SME members. Sal Milici, General Manager Trade Policy & Operations | FTA recently met up with Gavos Freight Solutions .Peter speaks passionately on behalf of all smaller members of the industry, and it was great to discuss both the challenges and opportunities they face.

John Park, Head of Business Operations | FTA was privileged to receive an invitation to the naming ceremony held last week for the two new pilot boats for Fremantle Ports. The vessels were ceremonially launched and blessed Parker and Kwilena.

Parker recognises former Fremantle Ports CEO Michael Parker who acknowledged the high-risk nature of marine pilot transfers and was committed to improving safety for all. Parker's sister ship is named Kwilena, the Noongar word for dolphin reflecting the cultural significance of our waterways to the Whadjuk people. READ MORE

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Prior to the temporary suspension of the US port strikes, Tom Jensen, Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA \ APSA had the privilege of discussing the ongoing issue and their ripple effects on international trade with Patricia Karvelas on ABC Radio National Breakfast.  As global supply chains become increasingly interconnected, disruptions in major ports like those in the US have far-reaching consequences, impacting costs, inventory levels, and delivery schedules. Tom also spoke to ABC - The Business, SBS and Sky News - all interviews can be seen at the below links 

US shipping strike may cause price hikes in Australia  - Interview with Patricia Karvelas - ABC Radio National
Why US port strikes could drive up prices in Australia | The Business | ABC News
Why US port strikes could impact global supply chains | SBS World News
Sky News - Business Now - US Port Negotiations at a Stalemate 

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 - IMPORTANT: Due to an unexpected glitch yesterday, there has been a delay in access to the 2024 ABF Mandatory training module.  Once the "2024 ABF Mandatory Module" is available we will advise by a separate FTA Notice - READ MORE for details and log in advice.

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

You still have a duty of care to ensure that all parties involved in the transport process comply with safety standards, whether the transport is handled in-house or outsourced.  

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 

23 October 2024 : AI powered solutions and integrations for Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Freight Forwarders - presented by Cloudster Connect [

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

In this issue, we discuss:

• The new Kenwick Intermodal Terminal (IMT).

• Westport's upcoming geophysical surveys.

• Findings from the Westport Community Survey.

• 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

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.

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

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

Mastering the usage of the Portal will help you get the maximum value out of its functionalities and support the smooth running of your business. Join us for the upcoming IATA Customer Portal webinars on Tuesday 15 October 2024 and learn how you can maximize your usage of the different Customer Portal functionalities. READ MORE

Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

8 October 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

In this issue we cover

• Avian Influenza

• Biosecurity in the classroom

• Continued support for the National Biosecurity Training Hub
  READ MORE

Notices:

BORDER

If you are a licensed customs broker, individual or corporate, the section on Customs Licensing makes for some interesting times ahead both with actions being taken by the ABF and also the number of customs brokers entering and leaving the industry.  A comparison on the broker age stats summary showing the percentages compared to last year's numbers:

• highlights the decline in numbers in each age bracket in all groups except 40-49 and the >70yo demographic.

• the decline in state totals per state in all states except ACT & NT

READ MORE

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 8th October 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 8th October 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