DEPOT LICENCE CANCELLED FOR COMPROMISING CARGO CONTROL AND SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRITY

Thursday, October 21, 2021

STRATEGIES TO MEET COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS

After months of investigation, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has CANCELLED the licence of a major depot in Sydney, ceasing its ability to handle air and sea cargo under customs control – refer HERE

Department of Home Affairs Assistant Secretary for Trade Compliance, Brett Cox, said that service providers like licensed depot and warehouse operators play an important role in the supply of goods to Australia.

"They occupy a privileged position of trust, which is why they are subject to compliance checks by the ABF to identify malpractice" 
 
Australian Customs Notice No. 2021/23 outlines obligations on customs depot and warehouse licence holders with effect from 1 July 2021 – refer HERE

In light of the ongoing ABF and Biosecurity compliance focus, we encourage members to again familiarise themselves with this content and we also bring to your attention two Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) strategic partners that can assist with key elements of your compliance strategy:
 
SECURITY - COMPLIANCE WITH NEW SUPPLY CHAIN OBLIGATIONS
Certis Security Australia currently support many FTA members and are specialists in customs depot and warehouse security requirements – please refer to the commentary in our latest edition of Across Borders.by Steve McSweeney (National Business Development Director - Certis Security Australia) referencing security elements as prescribed in ACN 2021/23 - Refer HERE

CONTACT: steve_mcsweeney@certisgroup.com
TRAINING - SECTION 77G DEPOTS - OBLIGATIONS
 
Condition 28 ACN 2021/23 states "The holder of the licence must provide suitable and ongoing training to make staff aware of their obligations in dealing with goods subject to customs control and must ensure ongoing quality assurance processes are in place. The licence holder must demonstrate ongoing training and an ongoing review of processes to ensure compliance and provide evidence annually or as requested by the Australian Border Force."
The WiseTech Academy has designed a course to meet the generic requirements that apply to all staff employed by depots licensed in accordance with s77G of the Customs Act 1901 – further detail available HERE (course cost $48 with further discounts applicable to FTA members).
TRAINING - BIOSECURITY - APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS 

The WiseTech Academy also provide accredited training for Approved Arrangements, previously known as Quarantine Approved Premises (QAPs) and Compliance Agreements.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment authorise these arrangements to allow operators to manage biosecurity risks and/or perform the documentary assessment of goods in accordance with departmental requirements, using their own sites, facilities, equipment and people, and without constant supervision by the department and with occasional compliance monitoring or auditing.

CONTENT - to secure an Approved Arrangement (AA) accreditation, staff are required to undertake the prescribed training course containing the following two subjects:

  • Biosecurity Awareness - provides an introduction to biosecurity in Australia and prepares staff to recognise the biosecurity risks and how these are addressed by the key stakeholders, including the department.
  • Approved Arrangement Accreditation for AA Accredited Persons - provides the skills and knowledge required for staff to undertake their role as an Accredited Person within an AA - in this course, staff will be introduced to the requirements for Classes 1 to 8 and 10 to 14 AAs, and responsibilities in identifying and reducing biosecurity risks at AA sites.

FREQUENCY- We recommended that staff complete this course at induction and at a minimum, review annually to remain up to date with regulatory requirements.

COST - $80 (further discounts apply for FTA members)

CONTACT: contact@wisetechacademy.com

Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF