FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2017/12 - sponsored by Conweigh

Tuesday, March 21, 2017
JOIN THE ALLIANCE

APSA / FTA VENTURE TO THE UK

One small step for man ... one giant leap for FTA !!

Travis Brooks-Garrett (Partner FTA / Secretariat APSA) represented our alliance for the first time at an international event. Last week's Keep Britain Trading conference was hosted by the Freight Transport Association and the Global Shippers Forum to address Britain's challenges with the upcoming "Brexit" transition. Other presenters included the Hon. David Jones MP, Minister for Exiting the European Union, Professor Jim Rollo CMG, Deputy Director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory and Teddy Soobramanien from the Commonwealth Secretariat. An initail media report is available courtesy of The Load Star ... read more

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Watch the instructional video

FTA / APSA WITH THE ACCC

ACCC investigation sought from industry to prevent cascading supply chain costs

As outlined in the latest DP World Australia (DPWA) customer notices released on March 16, 2017, a two-week postponement has been given to industry meaning the new "infrastructure surcharges" will now take effect on April 17.
 

While this outcome was welcomed to allow industry further time to adjust to the new surcharge arrangements (increase in Melbourne from $3.45 to $32.50 and Sydney from $0 to $21.16 for all laden import and export containers), the longer term outcome remains with charges likely to cascade down the supply chain, resulting in significantly increased costs being borne by Australian exporters, importers and domestic consumers.
 

The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) have raised the following concerns direct with DPWA ... read more

Please also refer to the FTA / APSA commentary in Lloyds List Australia ... read more

Acquisition of Hamburg Sud by Maersk Line

 

In a formal submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) identified three key areas of concern:

  • the participation of Maersk and Hamburg Sud in separate Vessel Sharing Agreements, Discussion Agreements and other agreements that have been registered under Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act;

  • the predominance of both Maersk and Hamburg Sud in the Australian reefer trade;

  • other services where an acquisition may constitute a significant lessening of competition.

APSA recommended: 

  • the ACCC conduct further research on the impact on existing Conferences/Discussion Agreements before the acquisition is allowed to take place; and

  • should the acquisition be accepted, that the ACCC support negotiations of basic guarantees for Australian exporters, in respect to the retention of services and service levels.

APSA and FTA will have further opportunities to engage with the ACCC on this review - to share your views, please send correspondence to me at secretariat@auspsa.com


Travis Brooks-Garrett - FTA / APSA

AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE

Deloitte


FTA met with Deloiite Access Economics in Canberra on 16 March 2017 to identify:

  • the main barriers to trade associated with trade facilitation processes;

  • the size of financial and time costs associated with trade facilitation processes; and

  • any potential areas in which trade facilitation processes can be improved

... read more

Issues addressed included, personal effects processing, low value goods, CEF processing, ChAFTA and Free Trade Agreement compliance, cargo reporting / clearances, service response, asbestos and export compliance - we look forward to an opportunity to view and share the final report.

National Committee on Trade Facilitation - NCTF Legislative Working Group (LWG)

FTA participated in the Legislative Working Group meeting in Canberra on 16 March 2017 which addressed commencement of the new Commerce (Trade Description) Regulation 2016. lessons learnt of the HS 2017 and EITA Bills, Customs and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 20156, stengthening tobacco offences.

  • GST ON LOW VALUE GOODS - the Australian Government introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (GST Low Value Goods) Bill 2017 into Parliament, which proposes to extend Goods and Services Tax (GST) to low value goods imported by consumers in Australia from 1 July 2017 - it is possible that the Bill may not be passed during the next two sitting weeks and may actually be referred to a Senate committee or enquiry. Whilst an enquiry adds extra scrutiny to Bills before coming law, the threat being that it may delay the introduction of the legislation with a remaining "go live" date of 1 July 2017, shortening an already short implementation window.

  • FTA MEMBER SCENARIOS - the ATO has agreed to review specific scenarios raised by FTA members (and their clients) and to provide advice on how to comply with the new procedures as outlined in the Bill, in particular whether a company may or may not be a "re-deliverer" ... read more

Compliance Advisory Group (CAG)

FTA participated in the Compliance Advisory Group (CAG) meeting in Canberra on 17 March 2017 which addressed the CAG terms of reference, trade and goods compliance update, compliance approach, policy update and focus areas.

  • EXPORTS - the Export Council of Australia to prepare a consultative paper on export compliance issues

  • IMPORTS - FTA to prepare a consultative paper on import cargo reporting compliance issues

  • ASBESTOS - CBFCA and FTA to coordinate a meeting with industry and government (Australian Border Force / National Association of Testing Authorities) representatives - focus on car / parts - please refer issues to me at pzalai@FTAlliance.com.au

  • DIRECTOR AND MANAGER LIABILITY - Hunt & Hunt Lawyers recently produced an alert on a case relating to personal liability for people who operate licensed warehouses ... read more

CPD WEBINAR
 
By way of background, Customs pursued duty and GST from a director and manager of a corporate warehouse licensee.  The decision demonstrates the risks individuals in the trade and logistics sector face.

Our final CPD webinar for the current licensing period (1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017) will take a holistic approach with customs lawyers discussing the risks that you face, insurance experts discussing where insurance will and will not help and lastly, asset protection lawyers discussing what you can do now to protect your personal assets ... read more

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES

DCCC


FTA participated in last week's Department of Aigriculture Cargo Consultative Committee (DCCC) meeting in Sydney which addressed service delivery operations, cost recovery, Biosecurity Legislation and compliance update.

  • EXPORTS - 20 March 2017 - FTA / APSA meeting with departmental representatives on delays of Phytosanitary Certificate processing 

  • IMPORTS - 23 March 2017 - FTA has a meeting scheduled with departmental representatives on import service delivery - please refer any  performance issues to me at tnikro@FTAlliance.com.au

Cost Recovery


We are pleased to advise that FTA has been appointed to the Import Industry Finance Consultative Committee (IIFCC) administered by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

As members would be aware, FTA has advocated for reforms to the $2900 Approved Arrangement fee and to have an oversight on broader import cost recovery.

We look forward to supporting this consultative process and working with the department and industry peers in achieving positive outcomes. 

Illegal Logging compliance documents are available


As mentioned in the recent Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Industry advice notice 22 - 2017, Illegal Logging compliance documents are now available for all concerned.
 
Although Importers are responsible for due diligence, Customs Brokers play an important role in helping their clients understand the legal requirements for importing paper and wood products.
 
Included in the compliance document (listed below) are specific due diligence requirements that are necessary to ensure that importers have taken appropriate steps to comply. 
 
To undertake due diligence, you need to: 

  • have a documented system that outlines how you will meet your due diligence requirements 

  • gather information about the regulated timber products you are importing 

  • assess the risk that the timber in these products has been illegally logged either by using a Timber Legality Framework, Country Specific Guideline or by undertaking a risk assessment

  • where necessary, undertake additional reasonable steps to reduce any risk 

  • keep a written record of the steps you have undertaken.

The Department will continue to conduct audits on importers and will take a different approach to managing compliance by encouraging and supporting voluntary compliance. Taking part in a voluntary assessment will allow the Department to provide importers with helpful feedback on their practices and whether any improvements to their due diligence systems can be made.
 
For further information please email the Illegal Logging team at ilca@agriculture.gov.au


Tony Nikro - FTA / APSA

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Do You Really Know Who You are Dealing With?

During many of the conversations we have with FTA Members, we often inquire as to what risk management strategies/techniques they use to protect their balance sheet against customer defaults and/or liquidations. Most agree that trade references are almost useless. Apart from a few who obtain Dun & Bradstreet or Veda reports, unsurprisingly, the responses fall into similar groups and themes, including:

"We watch our receivables very closely"
"We have dedicated staff who contact our creditors on a daily basis to chase outstandings"
"We only deal with 'Blue Chip' companies"
"We only deal with companies we know and never had a problem with".

Some have also said that significant alcohol intake just before bedtime to help them sleep at night works best for them! ... read more

Small business seminar - Do not forget to book your seat!

Seminar Details:

  • How to set up policies and procedures for your workplace

  • Understand changes to The Globally Harmonised System, effective 1 January 2017

  • Getting the correct employment contracts in place

  • Steps to take when terminating staff and avoid unfair dismissal

Wednesday 29 March (8.30am - 10.30am) 

St George Sailing Club (2 Riverside Drive, San Souci)

REGISTER NOW - Free & Exclusive to FTA / APSA members

Are you looking for "FREE" online CPD / CBC ?


As a part of your Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) membership, we offer a tailored package bundling online CPD / CBC training  for all nominated staff at one low fixed annual fee.

For further detail contact Paul Zalai on 02 9975 1878

FTA 2017 CPD & CBC Program 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) continues to set the standard in professional development - by simply attending our Autumn and Spring sessions, you will satisfy your 2017/2018 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) compliance requirements. 
 
Melbourne 3 May  2017,11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points + CBC 
Sydney 17 May 2017 11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points + CBC 
Brisbane 31 May 2017, 11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points

Melbourne 6 Sept 2017,11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points + CBC
Sydney 11 Oct 2017 11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points + CBC 
Brisbane 25 Oct 2017, 11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points+ CBC 

Have you completed your Continued Biosecurity Competency training ?

 

Included in our growing library of content are recordings of the "CBC Mandatory Sessions" delivered by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources at our face-to-face events.

Now available online are the following: 

  • Continued Biosecurity Competency - Mandatory Session 1 for 2016 (CPD Stream A - DOA009) - recorded session delivered by Andrew Lieschke and Julie Simms from the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources - Sydney 6 April 2016

  • Continued Biosecurity Competency - Mandatory Session 2 for 2016 (CPD Stream A - DOA012) - recorded session presented by Julie Weymouth and Angus Martin from the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources - Sydney 21 October - FTA Border & Biosecurity Compliance Session. 


After viewing the recordings and completing the online assessments you receive certification to demonstrate CBC compliance to maintain your 19.1 NCCC and 19.2 AEPCOMM accreditation.


Each recording and assessment package is available via www.ComplianceNetFTA.com - $38.50 (incl GST).

 

NOTE - For more than 3 bookings, please contact me at czalai@FTAlliance.com.au


Caroline Zalai - FTA / APSA

SPONSOR PROMOTIONS

Feature Property

55-65 Sky Road, Tullamarine, Vic 3043

 

OUTSTANDING FACILITY IN A PRIME POSITION

• Corporate two storey office accommodation - 1,023sqm*
• Sprinklered high bay warehouse - 9,026sqm*
• Total GLA -10,049sqm*
• Internal height: 11.7m* (Max) / 9.5m* (Min)
• Two canopies over loading area - 438sqm*
• Both on-grade and recessed dock loading providing for   B-double access.
• Quality amenities
• Car spaces – 72

Located in a new industrial subdivision at the end of Wonderland Drive, the estate offers an uncongested entry / exit via Wonderland Drive and Wallgrove Road. The estate is situated within metres of the Westlink M7 and M4 Motorway.

READ MORE

Candidate of the Week

 

Melbourne

 

Import Supervisor/ Senior Operator

Our candidate has a strong career in air and sea freight import operations.
.… read more

 

Sydney

 

Customer Service

Possessing 10 years industry experience and having been exposed to various roles including cartage,

… read more

 

Top 10 Candidates

... read more

Insync Sydney - Leanne Lewis on 1300 467 962, M: 0448 114 804
or Leanne@insyncpersonnel.com.au

Insync Melbourne - Andrew Bennett, M: 0447 054 744 or
Andrew@insyncpersonnel.com.au

Insync Blue - Simone King 1300 467 962

COMPLIANT CUSTOMS


The forwarder's broker ... customs clearance solutions for the logistics industry

LIVE@Containerchain

Unparalleled level of visibility and information for all landside container logistics activity

Want to more:

Are you meeting your Sec 77G Depot obligations?

 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has partnered the Australian Border Force in developing a training package titled "SEC 77G DEPOTS - Obligations in dealing with goods subject to ABF control" ... read more

MAJOR SPONSORS

DUAL APSA / FTA SPONSORS

APSA SPONSORS

FTA SPONSORS

General

20.3.2017 - DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH?

During many of the conversations we have with FTA Members, we often inquire as to what risk management strategies/techniques they use to protect their balance sheet against customer defaults and/or liquidations. Most agree that trade references are almost useless. Apart from a few who obtain Dun & Bradstreet or Veda reports, unsurprisingly, the responses fall into similar groups and themes, including "We watch our receivables very closely"; "We have dedicated staff who contact our creditors on a daily basis to chase outstandings"; "We only deal with 'Blue Chip' companies"; "We only deal with companies we know and never had a problem with". Some have also said that significant alcohol intake just before bedtime to help them sleep at night works best for them! ... read more

20.3.2017 - WISTA - WA SUNDOWNER - 31 MARCH 2017

WISTA Australia would like to invite you to their upcoming event ... WISTA WA Autumn Sundowner Friday 31st March, 2017 from 5.30 pm ... read more

20.3.2017 - 1-STOP AND ICTSI RECOGNISED FOR AWARD

1-Stop is excited to announce, International Container Terminal Services, Inc's (ICTSI) and 1-Stop Connections have jointly won the Grand Anvil for our Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) Presented annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Anvil is the symbol of Excellence in Public Relations. It is awarded to outstanding public relations programs, tools and, now, practitioners after careful screening by select PR professionals and judging by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury. ... read more

18.3.2017 - TRAINING AND WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS

... read more

17.3.2017 - CROWE HORWATH NEWSLETTER - BUSINESSES AND INDIVUALS 
... read more

14.3.2.2017 - LAUNCH OF CPD / CBC PROGRAM - AUTUMN 2017
REGISTER NOW - AUTUMN 2017... read more

14.3.2017 - USING THE CONWEIGH POWER BOOSTERS

Effortless, Safe and Fast Container Lift... read more

13.3.2017 - JOIN THE ALLIANCE!

The Australian Peak Shippers' Association (APSA)
For further information about membership benefits, costs and application, please contact Travis Brooks-Garrett on 03 9029 9935 / 0434105145 
 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) 
For further information about membership benefits, cost and application, please contact Paul Zalai on 02 9975 1878 / 0408280123

... read more

14.3.2017 - CBRE FEATURE PROPERTY - 55-65 SKY ROAD, TULLAMARINE, VIC 3043

OUTSTANDING FACILITY IN A PRIME POSITION ... read more

Agriculture

20.3.2017 - DAWR - 22-2017 - ILLEGAL LOGGING COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE

Who does this notice affect?

The illegal logging laws affect businesses that import regulated timber and timber products of specific Customs tariff codes within Chapters 44 (wood and wood articles), 47 (pulp), 48 (paper and paperboard) and 94 (furniture) into Australia. ... login required

17.3.2017 - ILLEGAL LOGGING COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE

Import Industry Advice Notice 22/2017 has been published on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website. ... login required

17.3.2017 - DAWR - RAW PRAWN UPDATE # 15

Please see the latest information regarding activities being undertaken as part of the imported prawn suspension. ... login required

16.3.2017 - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) AGRICULTURE-RELATED TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE (TBT) NOTIFICATIONS

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has circulated the following TBT notifications relating to agriculture, food and or forestry products.These notifications have been forward from Australia's TBT enquiry point in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ... login required

14.3.2017 - DAWR - IMPORT INDUSTRY ADVICE NOTICE NO. 22-2017 - CARGO ONLINE LODGEMENT SYSTEM, POST ENTRY BIOSECURITY SYSTEM AND ONLINE PAYMENT SERVICE UNAVAILABLE

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned outage. ... login required

14.3.2017 - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) AGRICULTURE-RELATED TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE (TBT) NOTIFICATIONS

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has circulated the following TBT notifications relating to agriculture, food and or forestry products. These notifications have been forward from Australia's TBT enquiry point in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  ... login required

 

14.3.2017 - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) NOTIFICATIONS

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has circulated Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) notifications for information or comment. ... login required

14.3.2017 - PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES - SERVICE LEVEL UPDATE #1

The Department of Agriculture & Water Resources has committed to engage the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) in terms of performance against service standards. The department has initiated a fortnightly email update to grain and plant product exporter groups - the latest update is below:

 ... login required

Border

20.3.2017 - DIBP - MAN CHARGED WITH EXPORTING THOUSANDS OF INSECTS

A Czech national has been fined $2000 for attempting to smuggle thousands of insects on a flight out of Australia. On 20 February 2017, the man was boarding a flight from Perth to Abu Dhabi when he was selected by the Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination. ... login required

20.3.2017 - NZ CUSTOMS RELEASE - SPECIAL EDITION - ISSUE 397

... read more

17.3.2017 - DFAT TRADE TALK - 17th March 2017

... login required

16.3.2017 - DIBP - FORMER CUSTOMS BROKER SENTENCED TO JAIL AFTER ABF INVESTIGATION

A former customs broker has been handed a four-year prison sentence after being found guilty of falsifying importation documents and pocketing more than $700,000. ... login required

16.3.2017 - DIBP - ICS SCHEDULED OUTAGE

... login required

15.3.2017 - DIBP - TC GAZTTE - 2017/14 15TH MARCH 2017

The Commonwealth of Australia Tariff Concessions Gazette (the Gazette) gives legal effect to the creation of a number of legislative instruments such as By-Laws, Tariff Concession Orders (TCO's), TCO Revocations and Determinations. It also provides an avenue to identify, advise and provide information on a number of tariff concession issues. ... login required

Industry

ANTI-DUMPING NOTICES 2017 

The Anti-Dumping Commission investigates alleged dumping and subsidisation of goods imported into Australia and imposes duties to address material injury to the Australian Industry that manufactures similar or the same goods. The work of the Commission complies with rules of the World Trade Organization and Australian legislation. 
... Login required

Sea

20.3.2017 - ACCC INVESTIGATION SOUGHT FROM INDUSTRY TO PREVENT CASCADING SUPPLY CHAIN COSTS

As outlined in the latest DP World Australia (DPWA) customer notices released on 16 March 2017, a two week postponement has been given to industry meaning that the new "Infrastructure Surcharges" will now take effect on 17 April 2017. ... read more

14.3.2017 - DP WORLD AUSTRALIA - INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGE - UPDATE

The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), Freight & Trade Alliance( FTA) and DP World Australia (DPWA) executives met last week in respect to the Melbourne and Sydney Infrastructure Surcharge. In open and frank discussions, APSA / FTA expressed concerns about i) lack of consultation in deriving the cost recovery policy ii) the methodology of cost recovery iii) the quantum of the cost recovery iv) the inequity of the cost recovery. ... read more

Air

Current Broker Licencing Period

 

Members who attended the face to face CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program events for the current licencing period were provided a certificate of attendance/attainment at the end of each session. 

By attending both sessions in full, you are compliant for your Customs Broker Licensing and Department of Agriculture & Water Resources Mandatory CBC requirements for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.

For assistance contact Caroline Zalai on 02 9975 1878

16.3.2017 - FIATA - PR 1707-2017 CAPACITY LEVEL

FIATA and CLECAT deeply concerned about current capacity levels and service uncertainties. ... read more

14.3.2017 - FIATA - E-FLASH NO. 146 - 13 MARCH 2017

... read more

UPCOMING EVENTS

ONLINE - Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) [...]
ONLINE - AEP for Commodities Accreditation [...]
ONLINE - TLIX5054A - Comply with Biosecurity Border Clearance [...]
ONLINE - SEC 77G DEPOTS - Obligations in dealing with goods subject to ABF control [...]
ONLINE - Webinars and Recordings [...]
 
22 March 2017 : CTAA "Container Matters" Luncheon - Q&A with VICT [...]
28 March 2017 : FREE WEBINAR - Director and Manager Liability [...]
29 March 2017 : FREE Sydney Seminar - Workplace Compliance [...]
12 April 2017 : FREE WEBINAR - Complying with FBT requirements [...]
3 May 2017 : VIC - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
17 May 2017 : NSW - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
31 May 2017 : QLD - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
15 Aug 2017 : EXECUTIVE FORUM - NSW Intermodal [...]
6 Sept 2017 : VIC - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
11 Oct 2017 : NSW - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
25 Oct 2017 : QLD - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
FTA and APSA are proud supporters of the following international associations
Contact: 02 9975 1878 info@FTAlliance.com.au

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