JOIN THE ALLIANCE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Australian Peak Shippers Association Inc. (APSA) 

Date: Monday 27 February 2017.
Times: 12.30pm to 2.00pm.
Venue: 
Visy industries Offices – Boardroom 18
Freshwater Place.
Level 11, 2 Southbank Blvd. Southbank VIC 3006.

Please confirm your attendance to me at robert.coode@auspsa.com.

Please note that all attending must be financial members of APSA.

Robert Coode - Executive President, APSA

TASMANIAN SHIPPERS FORUM

We are receiving overwhelming support from across government and the private sector representatives for our inaugural Tasmanian Shippers Forum ... read more

FTA 2017 CPD & CBC Program - Early Bird Registration - NOW OPEN !

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 ... read more

AGRIBUSINESS

The following articles highlight significant problems caused by under-investment in the rail network affecting the grain logistics chain in Victoria.

We would like to acknowledge the Rail Futures Institute for their advocacy assistance to the sector on this important operational issue. The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) is working closely with affected stakeholders and will provide further detail to members. 

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/opinion/rail-underinvestment-in-victoria-grain-harvest-stopped-in-tracks/news-story/5e1554055316240005054bab880056ab
 
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/national/vline-temperature-restrictions-meltdown-over-rail-rule/news-story/c8999f989150ad2bb39eaef2e66ee618

FTA / APSA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Canberra Report

For a full report on last week's activities in the Nation's capital ... read more

Licensing Review

Since the Licensing Review was announced in 2015, overwhelming concerns raised by our customs broker members centred around whether licensing will continue into the future. Importantly, this concern has also been shared by our growing number of importer members who rely on the professional services of customs brokers to maintain consistently high levels of compliance.
 
Despite submissions advocating for removal of individual licensing from one industry representative body, indications are that the position advocated by Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and other peak bodies is likely to prevail with the licensing of both individual and corporate customs brokers to continue for the foreseeable future ... read more

Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No.1) Bill 2017: Low value imported goods

REVENUE collection at the border will remain for goods with a Value of Taxable Importation more than $1,000 using a Full Import Declaration via the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
 

If passed, the legislation will mean that "overseas vendors", "electronic distribution platforms" and "redeliverers" will have to account for GST on sales of low value goods to consumers in Australia if they have Goods and Services Tax (GST) turnover of $75,000 or more.
 

New cargo reporting and clearance requirements associated with the import of low value cargo will be imposed on international freight forwarders, express carriers and licensed customs brokers. Accordingly, the primary focus of the FTA submission submitted December 2, 2016 centred on the operational impacts affecting these sectors of Australian commerce.
 

At 2.49pm last Friday, January 20, 2017, FTA received an email from Treasury acknowledging our submission, attaching a revised version of the draft legislation (Limited Circulation) and bringing to our attention four points of interest relating to our submission. Included in this correspondence from Treasury was a request to provide a response to "major concerns"  by 9am today, Monday January 23, 2017 – full details of the FTA submission are available at www.FTAlliance.com.au.
 

We commend Treasury for accepting our recommendation to change terminology from "goods forwarder" to what we see as being a more appropriate term of "redeliverer". Whilst this is seen as a positive, concerns now arise around the introduction of new penalty provisions.
 

It appears from the exceptionally short timeframe to respond to amendments to the draft legislation, that the intent is to table the Bill immediately upon Parliament sitting in the second week of February 2017.
 

As outlined in our original submission, FTA sees the largest risk to implementation being the short window from Royal Assent of the legislation to "go live" on July 1, 2017.
 

In contrast, legislation applying the GST to international sales of digital products and services provided to Australian consumers received Royal Assent on 5 May 2016 with the measures to apply from 1 July 2017. We commend the government for supporting this sector of commerce by providing an appropriate implementation timeframe.
 

We are at a loss to understand why a similar implementation timeframe has not been considered for the significantly more complex changes associated with the proposed changes for low value imported goods.
 

As outlined in the FTA submissions, merit is seen in terms of the intent of the legislation to ensure that low value goods face an equivalent GST treatment to goods sourced in Australia. Importantly, the legislation will also generate significant and much needed GST revenue for our state governments.
 

From an industry perspective, all we now ask is for Treasury to engage with peak bodies and their members and an appropriate timeframe to implement systems and process changes – as we have seen in the past with other cargo management re-engineering projects, failure to do so is a recipe for disaster.

Paul Zalai - Director, FTA

MANAGING BUSINESS RISKS

Marine Cargo Insurance

As outlined in recent FTA notices, imported prawn consignments are subject to a new and enhanced inspection and testing regime.
 
A question that has been asked by members is how will their customer's (Cargo Interests) marine cargo insurance policies will respond to this unforseen change in policy. This will largely depend on the cover arranged by the Cargo Interests. Generally, Standard Cargo clauses and Frozen Food clauses cover the risk of physical loss or damage during transit but do not cover loss, damage or expense caused by embargo or by rejection, prohibition or detention by the government of the country of import or their agencies or departments.
 
Some Cargo Interests may have extended their standard insurance coverage to include Rejection Insurance Cover. The standard Rejection clauses exclude cover in the event of a government embargo or prohibition. However, what may be of interest to FTA members is that under the standard Rejection clauses, the extra costs of freight to return the cargo to the place from which it was dispatched are generally covered. In addition, in the event of re-export, the costs to any substitute destination are generally covered, but are typically limited to the costs of return freight to the country of origin. There may also be policy excess(es) applicable to any insurance claim.
  
Please note that this is provided as general information only – for further detail, please do not hesitate to direct youe enquiry to JamesC@lfma.com.au
 
James Cotis – FTA insurance advisor

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. NEW

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

General

23.1.2017 - FTA 2017 CPD & CBC PROGRAM - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION - NOW OPEN !

PRESENTATIONS - AUTUMN 2017 - Autumn 2017 - 15 CPD points / CBC session 1 (for new accreditation period) ... read more

23.1.2017 - FTA / APSA - GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS REPORT

... read more

20.1.2017 - PREPARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR SALE

Significant merger & acquisition activity took place in our industry in 2016, including high-end and low-end transactions involving large and small logistics businesses. We expect this activity to accelerate in 2017.  While there has been strong interest from foreign entities looking to establish Australian operations, we are proud to report that most of the acquisition interest has come from Australian-grown and operated freight forwarder businesses who have reached their next level of growth.  ... read more

18.1.2017 - AUSFINE FOODS - DAILY PLANET JANUARY 2017 NEWSLETTER EDITION

... read more

18.1.2017 - 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. CPD & CBC
Many of our webinars have been accredited by:

• the Department of Immigration & Border Protection for customs broker Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points;

•  and by the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources to meet Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) requirements.

Please note that both departments have mandated online assessments for online training - to complete assessments and gain accreditation please refer to www.ComplianceNetFTA.com – unlimited access to CPD / CBC assessments are available to FTA and APSA members at an annual cost of $165 (incl GST) per person – business members with bulk bookings are illegible for further discounts – for further detail contact info@FTAlliance.com.au... login required

17.1.2017 - WELCOME TO THE ALLIANCE - AH BEARD

Last week Paul Zalai and I had the privilege of hearing the AH Beard family and business history and to view their current Sydney operations. Their amazing success in exporting beds to China is a good news story for all of Australia and demonstrates the value of manufacturing quality, high end products. ... read more

Agriculture

20.1.2017 - DAWR - 06-2017 – CONSULTATION ON BIOSECURITY LEGISLATION FIRST POINT OF ENTRY STANDARDS

Who does this notice affect?

First point operators and entities at first points of entry including port and airport authorities, wharf owners and operators, stevedores, airport fixed base owners and operators, airlines, shipping lines, baggage handlers. ... login required

19.1.2017 - WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO) AGRICULTURE-RELATED TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE (TBT) NOTIFICATIONS

The World Trade Organisation (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

19.1.2017 - DAWR - 05-2017 - NEW AND REVISED APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTED PERISHABLE PLANT PRODUCTS

Who does this notice affect?

Industry stakeholders that deal with imported fresh fruit and vegetables, nursery stock (excluding tissue cultures) and cut flowers (perishables) consignments including importers, Approved Arrangement (AA) class 1.2 and 2.4 operators, freight forwarders and brokers.

Purpose
To provide industry stakeholders with an opportunity to provide feedback to the department on:

1. a newly developed AA for industry-managed airfreight perishable consignment packaging verification inspections (Verification of Packaging for Airfreight Perishables), and

2. revised requirements for AA Class 2.4 – Fresh Produce, Nursery Stock and Cut Flowers.

... login required

17.1.2017 - DAWR - RAW PRAWN UPDATE #3

Please refer below to the latest update from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Please feel free to contact me direct if I can be of any assistance at 02 99751878 or pzalai@FTAlliance.com.au ... login required

17.1.2017 - DAWR - 04-2017 - NEW SAMPLING PROTOCOLS FOR SUSPENDED UNCOOKED PRAWNS AND UNCOOKED PRAWN MEAT IMPORTS

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is of interest to importers of uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat and associated industry participants and retailers.

What has changed?

Following the suspension of:

• uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat; and

• uncooked prawns and uncooked prawn meat that have been marinated for human consumption.

An enhanced inspection and testing regime was implemented for goods in transit at the time of the suspension. This notice describes the enhanced testing regime. ... login required

17.1.2017 - DAWR - WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION- AGRICULTURE-RELATED TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE

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.  ... read more

17.1.2017 - DAWR - 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. Obtaining a notification:You can obtain the notification document from the WTO docs online website . In the 'Document Symbol' line enter the notification number e.g. G/TBT/N/BRA/579 and click on 'Search'  ... login required

Border

20.1.2017 - LIST OF CURRENT PRECEDENTS

19.1.2017 - DIBP - MAN CHARGED WITH IMPORTING NINE KILOGRAMS OF EPHEDRINE

18.1.2017 - AFP - ABF - CRIMINAL SYNDICATES DISMANTLED AFTER MORE ARRESTS RELATED TO MAJOR HOBART COCAINE SEIZURE

18.1.2017 - DIBP - DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND BORDER PROTECTION NOTICE NO. 2016/38 - REPLACEMENT OF COMMERCE (IMPORTS) REGULATIONS 1940

Due to the sunsetting of the Commerce (Imports) Regulations 1940 (CI Regulations), the Australian Government has developed a new regulation called the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Regulation 2016 (the CTD Regulation) which will commence on 1 April 2017. The CI Regulations will continue to be in force until this date. ... login required

18.1.2017 - TC GAZETTE - 2017/6

Industry

ANTI-DUMPING NOTICES

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

21.1.2017 - MARINE CARGO INSURANCE

As outlined in recent FTA notices, imported prawn consignments are subject to a new and enhanced inspection and testing regime. ... read more

20.1.2017 - PORT OF BRISBANE - OPERATIONAL NOTIFICATION #12: PORT DRIVE UPGRADE

PBPL would like to advise that there will be out of hours' work at the several locations. ... read more

19.1.2017 - AUSTRALIAN PEAK SHIPPERS ASSOCIATION INC. (APSA) - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

... read more

Air

19.1.2017 - IATA - DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS 2017 AVAILABLE NOW
... read more

UPCOMING EVENTS