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

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

It was a great opportunity to explore key topics impacting our industry, including:
• Geopolitical impacts on trade  • Shipping Competition • Enterprise Agreements
• Terminal Access Charges|• Empty Container Park fees • DAFF performance

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

FTA/APSA's Paul Zalai said: "We applaud the Victorian government for listening to our advocacy where we have relentlessly pointed out the flaws in the existing 'ransom model'. What a crazy system where stevedores can charge the transport operator what they like."

"While this is seen as a positive, the Victorian government should have gone one step further in line with the Productivity Commission's Mandatory Code proposal in its December 2022 review of Australia's Maritime Logistics System. The PC suggested that should stevedores fail to justify an increase after opening their books, they don't get to implement their increase and don't get a second bite of the cherry until the following year," Mr Zalai said.

 
"No wonder the stevedores are embracing the Victorian government proposal – they would hate the additional scrutiny recommended by the PC and to be under tighter control from our national competition regulator."  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 mandatory ABF, CPD module for the 2024/25 CPD is now live - READ MORE
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

OneStop Expands Partnership with ACFS Port Logistics to Enhance Container Visibility Across Australia

OneStop is excited to announce the expansion of its partnership with ACFS Port Logistics, aimed at enhancing efficiency and visibility across the Oceania supply chain. This collaboration will allow ACFS Port Logistics to leverage OneStop's industry-leading solutions to streamline container operations at ACFS E-Depot Gilman, Adelaide, setting new benchmarks for logistics in the region. READ MORE

Our new address will be: Suite 802, Level 8 - 44 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000. We will be operational at the new location starting Monday, October 21, 2024. For more information, please reach out to your local Hapag-Lloyd office at 1300 427 245.

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

SEAFREIGHT

Enhancements to the Victorian Voluntary Pricing Protocol for Container Terminal Operators - Victoria

Following further feedback from industry participants, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has  introduced two enhancements to the VPP to build on the success of the arrangement and further promote transparency and administrative alignment. All stevedores have been consulted on this change. 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.

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

Port of Melbourne's family-friendly public boat tours are back this October and November - providing a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the Port up-close, while supporting hard working seafarers. To see more and how to register click HERE

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

Changes to the New Measures to Import Air Cargo Due to Emerging Threat To Aviation Security - UPDATE 2

Following an urgently convened meeting on Friday, 11 October 2024 which FTA/APSA attended as representatives on the Air Cargo Security Industry Advisory Forum (ACSIAF), The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has now announced changes to previously advised measures, revoking the previous SSD issued on 20 September 2024 and issuing a new SSD to aircraft operators over the weekend. READ MORE

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) are pleased to inform you that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has shared new and updated web resources to assist customs brokers in determining whether imported food and health products are GST-free : READ MORE

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

Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Public consultation on the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules (rules) closed on 13 September 2024. The department sought feedback  on the rules from our stakeholders, including timber importers and processors, customs brokers, NGOs and other interested parties.
We also had over 100 participants join our webinar held to explain the rules and wider legislative reforms. In total, we received 20 written submissions. We are considering all feedback as we further develop the draft rules into a final iteration for the Minister's consideration. READ MORE

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

14 October 2024 Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Notices:

BORDER

The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavan Reynolds AO as the next Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner. The new Commissioner will be sworn in on Sunday 10 November 2024.

Mr Reynolds brings a wealth of experience from his over 40 years of service to the nation, most recently as the Australian Defence Force's inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) congratulates Mr. Reynolds and looks forward to working with the Commissioner in the period ahead. READ MORE

Notices:
14.10.2024 : New Australian Border Force Commissioner ... read more
11.10.2024 : ATO - New and Updated Product Classification Resources for Customs Brokers ... login required
11.10.2024 : NZ Customs Release ... read more
9.10.2024 : ABF - TC Gazette ... read more
9.10.2024 : 2024 ABF Mandatory CPD Module - Update 1 ... read more

TRADE

The countdown is on until the EMDSG online portal opens for applications for the next round, Round 4. 

• Representative bodies can apply from 10am AEDT on 6 November.

• Tier 1, 2 and 3 applicants can apply from 10am AEDT on
  12 November.

To support you, Austrade have created informative new videos and a webinar series. These will help you understand:

• which tier you may be eligible for

• what documents and information you need to get together to apply

• how to submit your application in the EMDG online portal.

  READ MORE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 14th October 2024

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 14th 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