Customs Compliance Update - Summer 2025 

Join Russell Wiese of CGT Law at 1200 AEDT on Wednesday 29 January to get commentary on the latest Compliance Update, Russell will also provide an overview of a recent Federal Court decision regarding TCOs that considers TCO applications and the rules for: What are substitutable goods; How the corresponding use test is to be applied where there are technology advances. REGISTER HERE

FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to highlight the recent release of the updated Landside Port Charges Index – January 2025 Update (LPCI) by NineSquared. This update to the previous LPCI provides further critical analyses into container freight landside charges across Australia's capital cities, offering transparency on changes in the supply chain landscape.

FTA/APSA continue to advocate for the federal government to introduce a Mandatory Code for Stevedore Landside Charges, overseen by an appropriate regulatory body. This approach aligns with the ACCC's recommendations and supports equitable outcomes for Australia's container freight supply chain.

The latest analysis by NineSquared further underscores the urgent need for regulation to ensure fairness and efficiency in the supply chain.READ MORE ( member log in required)

Red Sea Ceasefire & Developments - Insights & Operational Implications

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), as Australia's representative to the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), welcome the ceasefire agreement ratified on 19 January between Israel and Hamas. This development has since led Yemen's Houthi rebels to announce a phased cessation of hostilities against non-Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea.

FTA/APSA, in collaboration with GSF, continues to monitor these developments closely, advocating for the safety and interests of the seafarers. Recognising the dynamic nature of the situation, we aim to provide relevant updates and support members as circumstances evolve during this transitional period. READ MORE  ( member log in required)

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

John Park, Head of Business Operations - FTA took some time last week to catch up with some members post the festive season and to see what this year holds. All in all feedback was positive although concerns are still there with fluctuating freight rates, blank sailings and ever increasing TACs and ECP fees. Interesting also to hear cargo volumes ex China down leading into CNY. 

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

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.

Australian Border Force (ABF) & Department of Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) Mandatory CPD & CBC Modules

Customs Broker Licensing Period to 31 March 2025

ABF - The ABF Mandatory CPD module for the 2024/25 CPD is now live - READ MORE

DAFF - The DAFF Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) will go live on 17 February 2025 on the Department's Learnhub site. The assessment will be automatically made available on the FTA training platform "MYFTACPD"  under the 'Active" filter for FTA members that attended a 2024 CPD Border Compliance Program (complimentary) or for those that have purchased an online training package for the period ending 31 March 2025. You will be sent an email when the assessment has been uploaded for completion. The Assessment must be completed by Monday 17 March 2025.

In preparation for the upcoming CBC Activity, we recommend that you ensure that you have current access to the Learnhub site. Please refer HERE for directions.


Important:

DAFF have advised that the Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) will provide you with 2 CPD Points in Stream A. Please ensure you take this into consideration when completing your 30 CPD points for the customs broker licencing period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

LOGISTICS

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

Containerchain have advised that there have been emails circulating that impersonate Containerchain. These emails include an invoice attachment and provide new banking information for payments.
 

Please be alert for emails from support@containerchainS.com. This email address has an S on the end of Containerchain and is Fraudulent. 

*PLEASE IGNORE THESE EMAILS AND REPORT THEM TO CONTAINERCHAIN SUPPORT**

The correct banking details can be found on your invoice, which is accessible on the Containerchain website. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Containerchain support

OneStop Expands Partnership with Veer Transport to Christchurch, New Zealand Facility

OneStop, a leader in innovative supply chain solutions, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its partnership with Veer Transport to include their Veer Bromley Depot. Starting from Saturday, 1 February 2025 all container transactions at the site will require a timeslot booking as part of the launch of OneStop Modal and Vehicle Booking System (VBS). READ MORE

TT Talk - January 2025

In this edition of the TT Talk newsletter, we are once again considering a range of topical issues that will be of interest to a variety of Member categories.

• Cargo theft and insider threat

• Incident management and emergency response

• Critical assessment: asset management and risk management  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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has revealed proposed adjustments to de minimis regulations aimed at reducing the administrative challenges associated with the surge in e-commerce and addressing concerns over shipments containing prohibited items.

The proposed changes, announced last week, include requiring additional shipment details and implementing a fully digital process, enabling data submission ahead of a shipment's arrival.

For further details, the full document outlining these proposed changes is available  HERE

Brisbane Freight Terminal - temporary change to bypass operations

Qantas Freight have advised that as a result of scheduled maintenance at the Brisbane Freight Terminal there will be a temporary change to bypass operations from 22 January 2025 to 24 January 2025  READ MORE

Situated in Greater Geelong, Victoria, Avalon Airport plays a significant role in specialist freight operations, reportedly handling over 10,000 tonnes of cargo from 52 aircraft in the financial year ending June 2023.

Once operational in 2025, the new 24/7 freight facility will increase capacity to process over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, intending to significantly speed up package handling and distribution. READ MORE (story credit DCN)

Qantas Freight Operations

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

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

Please click HERE to review the new DAFF Biosecurity Report

BORDER

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 21st January 2025

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

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 21st January 2025

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
LOGIN REQUIRED

Notices:
20.1.2025 : Anti-Dumping Commission Update Week Ending 17th January 2025 ... login required
15.1.2025 : Anti-Dumping Commission Update - Quenched and Tempered Steel Plate from Finland, Japan and Sweden ... read more

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 

1 January 2025:  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