Invitation to Contribute – Tariff reform: Removal of additional nuisance tariffs

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been invited by the Treasury Department to provide a formal submission in response to the Australian Government's consultation on the abolition of additional nuisance tariffs.

From 1 July 2026, around 500 tariffs will be abolished as part of the government's commitment to cut red tape and reduce compliance costs for importers. 

Why This Matters

Nuisance tariffs generate minimal revenue but create administrative burden for both government and industry. Their removal is expected to deliver compliance cost savings and a more efficient tariff system.

FTA has consistently advocated for reform in this area and welcomes the opportunity to represent members' views in this next stage of consultation.

These tariffs were selected based on their disproportionate compliance costs for business, the high proportion of goods already entering under concessional arrangements, and broader policy considerations.

They cover a wide range of products — from wine glasses and underpants to tyres, televisions, air conditioners, margarine, and bitumen.

All were identified as nuisance tariffs in the Productivity Commission's Trade and Assistance Review 2023–24, which found many imposed greater indicative compliance costs on business than the revenue they generated. The abolition of these tariffs is expected to deliver over $127 million in annual compliance cost savings to Australian businesses.

Member Input Requested

FTA encourages members to provide feedback on:

• The specific tariff lines proposed for abolition
• Any additional tariff lines that should be considered
• Practical impacts on trade and compliance from the proposed changes

Your insights will help shape FTA's submission to Treasury and ensure the perspective of international trade and logistics is well represented.