Customs Update | August 2015
There have been some very important developments regarding the importation of goods to Australia. We have provided a brief snapshot regarding customs and tariffs for 2015/2016
Annual Packing Declarations (APD’s)
What has changed?
People with Non Commodity Cargo Clearance (NCCC) accreditation can assess APD’s without having them endorsed by the department of Agriculture. All of our Mainfreight Customs Brokers are NCCC accredited.
What do you need to know?
Annual packing declarations can be utilised in place of ‘per shipment’ packing declarations. APD’s are a different form and can be stored and utilised in our Mainfreight system for 12 months for each of your suppliers.
How could this affect you?
This is a great opportunity for you to ask your supplier to complete an APD, saving a great deal of time for both you and your supplier.
World Trade Organisation (WTO) Historic Deal to Cut Tariff on IT Products
What has changed?
The WTO has reached a deal to remove tariffs on nearly 201 IT products over the next three years in a move that is expected to benefit Australian high-tech exporters.
What do you need to know?
Trade ministers from 54 WTO member countries will now work on how to implement the accord, and present their plans by December 2015. The products range from MRI machines to gaming
consoles.
How could this affect you?
If you are importing or exporting any of the 201 IT products, this could be something to consider in the future.
Stink Bugs force fumigation regulations from USA to AUS/NZ | August 2015
The Department of Agriculture has released new regulations ahead of the upcoming 2015/2016 Stink Bug risk period.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture will reinstate mandatory treatment requirements prior to the shipment of goods with revised treatment conditions. This will reduce the range of targeted cargo in comparison to the 2014/15 intervention.
What do you need to know?
The commodities that will be targeted are complete machines and their bodies, along with vehicles and trailers.
How could this affect you?
This could affect you if you are importing these products from the United States between September 2015 to the 30th of April 2016. We will keep you up to date on the development of this intervention.
If you are importing from the US find all the relevant information here.
New food standards on nutrition
What has changed?
In six months a new food standard on nutrition and health claims will begin. This change includes updating any marketing material including websites and so forth.
What do you need to know?
Food manufacturers and importers are expected to make a final review of their labels and marketing materials to ensure they're ready for the new standard on nutrition and health claims.
How could this affect you?
If you are currently importing food products, you need to update your labels. You need to leave enough time for all non-compliant stock in the marketplace to sell through to consumers before 18 January 2016. There will be no transition period.
Are your products duty free?
What has changed?
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has recently become stricter on any claims of duty free products. The ABF are regularly requesting product material from our Customs Brokers, to establish the validity and claims for tariff concession order’s (TCO’s).
What do you need to know?
If you are currently utilising a TCO be sure that your product completely complies in the ‘dictionary definition term’ of the meaning. Your Customs Broker can assist you with this.
How could this affect you?
All TCO’s currently claimed will be under scrutiny; therefore your Customs Broker may request additional information on claimed TCO’s, in order to protect your business. If TCO’s are falsely claimed, all unpaid duty will be required to be re-payed to Customs, along with the possibility of fines.