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

COMMENTARY

Tax man cometh as shipping lines to collect foreign tax

In the last two weeks FTA/APSA has been swamped with examples of increasingly protectionist behaviour and de facto taxes. In one example, a member has highlighted increased fees with Middle Eastern countries, particularly for the "legalisation" of Chamber of Commerce Certificates of Origin and exporter invoices. Oman has increased their rates for an export over USD100K from a previous USD160 to USD680, while Qatar is charging up to 0.4% of the invoice value.
 

The WTO is close to ratifying the landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the intent of which is to simplify and harmonize international trade procedures across borders. Let's hope that the TFA delivers on its promise.
 

In the meantime, FTA/APSA will continue working closely with DFAT and other agencies to provide updates on this and other issues.

View our full blog as published yesterday by Lloyds List Australia ... read more

Travis Brooks-Garrett - FTA / APSA

AIR CARGO

Preparing for 1 July 2017 - air cargo security reforms to the USA

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has made contact with Cargo Terminal Operators requesting an indication of changes to existing export security terminal fees after 1 July 2017 at which point significant changes commence regarding the piece level screening process for USA bound carg.
 
Specifically, we are seeking advice whether there will be different export security fees, depending on lodgement by an AACA or a RACA and any changes to the lodgement times for USA cargo.

Further information

Changes to Air Cargo Export Security Requirements – FTA026 - 1.5 CPD points – Stream A – presented by Scott Stone (Office of Transport Security) 21 Sept 2016

•PDF of Presentation

•RECORDING AND CPD ONLINE ASSESSMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON www.ComplianceNetTFTA.com

A reminder that FTA provides the following support services assisting members in airfreight, transport and business compliance - to find out more about these consultancy options, please contact Robert (Bob) Labrum at 0452 213 027.

L-3 Security & Detection Systems offers a comprehensive range of X-ray inspection systems, metal detection systems and explosive trace detection equipment for screening cargo ranging from small parcels to large packages and pallets ... read more

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA

SEA CARGO

Maersk Line arrives in Tasmania

On the eve of our inaugural "sell-out" Tasmania Shippers Forum, we are delighted to spread the word from two of our event sponsors.

Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping company, is set to welcome its first container ship to ever visit Tasmanian waters. On Monday 13 February 2017, the "Searuby" with a nominal capacity of 1,368 TEU will make her inaugural call to the port of Bell Bay.

Michael Sousa, Director of Qube Ports, welcomed the opportunity to support Maersk Line from the Qube facilities in Bell Bay, noting the service will strengthen the options available to Tasmanian producers.

Maersk Line Australia Sales Director Anthony Randell said the new weekly shipping service to / from Tasmania would enhance the company's already comprehensive and flexible network coverage ... read more

TRANSPORT

National Transport Commission - Developing a Land Transport Productivity Framework

On Wednesday 8 February 2017,  the National Transport Commission hosted land transport industry representatives in Melbourne to discuss the establishment of national land transport productivity measures. The purpose of these measures is to inform better decision making in terms of future infrastructure investments and initiatives. The measures proposed are very high level and largely consider the cost of infrastructure whether it be road or rail (costal shipping and domestic airfreight may be considered) and compare this cost against the volume (weight) of freight moved. The industry group, represented by organisations such and Port of Brisbane, NSW Ports, Container Transport Alliance Australia, Toll Group, Australian Automobile Association, Roads Australia, among many others gave the NTC important feedback notably that productivity measures should consider efficiency not just volume of freight and that journey times are an important input to these efficiency measures.
 
We look forward to seeing the results of the NTC's investigation into worthy productivity measurers and certainly support this admirable but complex initiative.
 
Special thanks to Tristan Anderson representing FTA/APSA at this important forum.

Patrcick - damage reports

Update - courtesy of the Container Transport Alliance Australia

Truck drivers are at liberty, indeed encouraged, to log damage with us at the out gate. This information is objectively validated by our camera system which captures the state of the container at the point it leaves our control. This information is provided to shipping lines in relation to damage claims which may arise and generally provides conclusive evidence as to condition ... In short, the old system was paper based and had no technical back up; the current system dispenses with paper and provides photographic evidence ... login required

INTERNATIONAL

North Asia free Trade Agreement (FTA) Information Seminars

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and Austrade have another round of 2017 North Asia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) information seminars available for enrolment. We encourage registration from Australian Peak Shippers Association and Freight & Trade Alliance members (or clients) who are currently exporting into China, Japan or Korea, or may be considering exporting in the future.
 
These free seminars are aimed at informing participants about how they can take advantage of the North Asia FTAs (China, Korea and Japan), and the range of assistance and information the Government can provide in using the FTAs.
 
There are three confirmed seminars coming up in the next few weeks – in Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales.
 
Western Australia
 
Kununurra - on 20 February 2017, at Kununurra Country Club Resort, 47 Coolibah Drive, Kununurra, from 7.30am-10.00pm. Online registrations at: http://www.austrade.gov.au/EventViewBookingDetails.aspx?Bck=Y&EventID=24873&m=0|0
 
Northern Territory 
 
Darwin - on 21 February 2017, at Double Tree by Hilton Darwin, 122 The Esplanade, Darwin from 7.30-9.00am. Online registrations at: http://www.austrade.gov.au/EventViewBookingDetails.aspx?Bck=Y&EventID=24874&m=0|0
 
New South Wales
 
Little Bay - on 3 March 2017, at Prince Henry Centre, 2 Coast Hospital Road, Little Bay, NSW, from 9.00-11.30am. Online registrations at: http://www.austrade.gov.au/EventViewBookingDetails.aspx?Bck=Y&EventID=24867&m=0|0

Hunt & Hunt - social media commentaries

• Payless Shoes, Pumpkin Patch, Rhodes & Beckett, Herringbone – Are Australian clothing companies struggling under high import costs?

Indian Service Tax

Following our commentary in weekly report on 31 January 2017, the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) has received the following advice from its legal counsel, Holman Fenwick Willan … read more

The Service Tax appears to be a significant impost (4.5%) levied by the Indian Ministry of Finance for all cargoes landed in India on/after 22 January 2017. The service tax is to be collected by the foreign-owned shipping lines, who have already attempted to start collecting the tax from Australian exporters. Up until recently an exemption was given on pre-paid ocean freight.

We are continuing our engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

In the meantime please refer to the official notices from the Indian Ministry of Finance:

Indian Service Tax Amendment Jan 2017.pdf
Notification No 1-2017-ST.pdf
Notification No 2-2017-ST.pdf
Notification No 3-2017-ST.pdf

Travis Brooks-Garrett - APSA / FTA

AGRICULTURE

Raw Prawn Update #9

The Department of Agriculture & Water Resources has provided another update regarding activities being undertaken as part of the imported prawn suspension: 

• Media statement: department's action on imported prawns

• Have you received an inspection direction?

• Biosecurity risk review of prawn products and pathways

• Submissions to the biosecurity risk review

• Enhanced measures for goods in transit

• Useful links

... login required

Important notice – Approved Arrangements (AA) General Policies update

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has written to all Approved Arrangement entities that they will implement updated AA General Policies (version 6) on 27 February 2017 (subject to any feedback). 
 
The updated AA General Policies will not change your overall requirements. The AA General Policies have been updated to allow clarify audit types, accreditation requirements for non-broker AAs and the treatment of CARs issued outside audit.
 
The changes to the AA General Policies will take effect from 27 February 2017.  
 
The updated AA General Policies (version 6) document is available for comment on the department's website available HERE
 
If you have any comments on the updated AA General Policies (version 6) please email them to aa.canberra@agriculture.gov.au  before close of business 21 February 2017. 
 
Please ensure all accredited and non-accredited persons working within the AA site are aware of these changes and the date they take effect from.

Posponed arrangements - manufacturers / suppliers declaration for wood articles

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has shared members' concerns with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in terms of the new manufacturers / suppliers declaration for wood articles (without any form of phasing in period).
 
The department has advised FTA that the new case structure and conditions are being delayed and have provided the following advice – CLICK HERE - FTA / APSA MEMBER LOGIN REQUIRED
 
Tony Nikro - FTA / APSA

BUSINESS SALES

Buying, selling or restructuring your business? Here are 5 important points to consider before putting pen to paper

As accountants and taxation advisers, we are continually assisting those clients looking to buy, sell or restructure their businesses. As a result, we are often presented with opportunities to improve the portfolios of our clients and are exposed to unique problems that require innovative solutions. We are able to assist most clients in navigating any hurdle in order to simplify and streamline their transactions while maximising their effectiveness.

On the other side of things, we are occasionally exposed to businesses who did not have access to appropriate advice, and these individuals are then faced with consequences that can be quite stressful, cumbersome and expensive to rectify.

While there are many points to consider before any significant business transaction, some key considerations are provided ... read more

Preparing Your business For sale

With the expectation of more M&A activity in 2017, it is important to give industry awareness of fundamental issues relating to preparation for sale.

In this webinar we are proud to welcome Lynne Grant (Special Counsel, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers) and Bart Serto (Principal- Corporate Finance, Crowe Howarth) to to share their broad professional experience and expertise in this area.

Please note that this webinar is most suitable for owner/operators, company directors and shareholders. 
 

WEBINAR: Preparing your business for sale 
DATE: 7 March 2017
TIME: 12 - 1pm AEDT

REGISTER NOW

Buy / Sell Activity 

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. 

We are currently working with 12 businesses who are looking to acquire a range of small to medium sized businesses in the logistics sector. Some of the interested parties are open to considering merger or JV partnerships in order to nationalise their operations. 

If you would like to connect with these organisations please email us confidentially at tbrooks-garrett@ftalliance.com.au 

Travis Brooks-Garrett - FTA / APSA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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. 

EARLY BIRD RATES APPLY - REGISTER NOW!
FIRST 50 MEMBERS IN SYD / MEL AND FIRST 25 FOR BNE
 
Melbourne 3 May  2017,11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points + CBC 
Sydney 17 May 2017 11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points + CBC 
Brisbane 31 May 2017, 11am to 5pm – 15 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

General

10.2.2017 - NZ CUSTOMS RELEASE - ISSUE 391
... login required

10.2.2017 - PREPARING FOR 1 JULY 2017 - AIR CARGO SECURITY REFORMS TO THE USA

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has made contact with Cargo Terminal Operators requesting an indication of changes to existing export security terminal fees after 1 July 2017 at which point significant changes commence regarding the piece level screening process for USA bound cargo. ... read more

9.2.2017 - CBRE FEATURE PROPERTY - 12 GREVILLEA STREET, EASTERN CREEK, NSW 2766

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

9.2.2017 - TRUMP WOULDNT TEAR UP THE AUSTRALIA US FREE TRADE AGREEMENT – WOULD HE?

Russell Wiese and Lynne Grant - Customs and Global Trade at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has dismissed suggestions that Trump would tear up the free trade agreement between the US and Australia.  ... read more

9.2.2017 - EMPLOYSURE - THE BOTTOM LINE - HOW WILL AUSTRALIA'S WORKPLACE RELATIONS SYSTEM SHAPE UP IN 2017

 ... read more

6.2.2017 - CTAA ENEWS - 6TH FEBRUARY 2017

 ... login required

9.2.2017 - NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMMISSION - DEVELOPING A LAND TRANSPORT PRODUCTIVITY FRAMEWORK

On Wednesday 8 February 2017, the National Transport Commission hosted land transport industry representatives in Melbourne to discuss the establishment of national land transport productivity measures. The purpose of these measures is to inform better decision making in terms of future infrastructure investments and initiatives.  ... read more

8.2.2017 - NORTH ASIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA) INFORMATION SEMINARS

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) and Austrade have another round of 2017 North Asia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) information seminars available for enrolment. We encourage registration from Australian Peak Shippers Association and Freight & Trade Alliance members (or clients) who are currently exporting into China, Japan or Korea, or may be considering exporting in the future. ... read more

9.2.2017 - DFAT - TRADE TALK
Trade Talk brings you a selection of the latest trade news from Australia and the world. ... login required

8.2.2017 - PAYLESS SHOES, PUMPKIN PATCH, RHODES & BECKETT, HERRINGBONE – ARE AUSTRALIAN CLOTHING COMPANIES STRUGGLING UNDER HIGH IMPORT COSTS?

Russell Wiese and Lynne Grant - Customs and Global Trade at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. So often over the last few months we have heard stories of failing retailers operating in Australia, particularly some well-known clothing brands.  Increased competition from large internationals and online retailers, unfavourable leases and falling prices are common themes in each case. ... read more

7.2.2017 - TRADE CREDIT INSURANCE
We are about to take the next step following our recent ANNOUNCEMENT that Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has partnered with Logical Financial Management (LFM), National Credit Insurance Brokers (NCI) and Coface to provide a combined and specialist Trade Credit Insurance program. ... read more

7.2.2017 - CROWE HORWATH - NEWSLETTER

This time of year is ideal for reflection. It's an opportunity to reflect on achievements, set new goals and plan for the future to ensure the year is a fulfilling one. Our first e-Newsletter of 2017 is designed to guide you through a diverse range of financial topics, beginning with advice on establishing and achieving your financial goals. ... read more

Agriculture

10.2.2017 - 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

10.2.2017 - DAWR - 13-2017 - COLS, POST ENTRY QUARANTINE RESERVATION SYSTEM AND ONLINE PAYMENT SERVICE UNAVAILABLE

Cargo Online Lodgement System, Post Entry Quarantine Reservation System and Online Payment Service Unavailable 8:00pm Friday 10th February 2017 to 7:00am Saturday 11th February 2017 (AEST) ... login required

10.2.2017 - DAWR - RAW PRAWN UPDATE # 9

Media statement: department's action on imported prawns. Please find the following link to the department's statement in relation to recent media reports about the white spot disease outbreak and trade suspension: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/dept-action-white-spot. ... login required

10.2.2017 - DAWR - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) NOTIFICATIONS

8.2.2017 - DAWR - BICON CASE STRUCTURE AMENDMENTS TO TIMBER PRODUCTS

Import Industry Advice Notice 12/2017 has been published on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website. ... login required

8.2.2017 - POSPONED ARRANGEMENTS - MANUFACTURERS / SUPPLIERS DECLARATION FOR WOOD ARTICLES
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has shared members' concerns with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in terms of the new manufacturers/suppliers declaration for wood articles (without any form of phasing in period) that was to become effective tomorrow, 9 February 2017. ... login required

7.2.2017 - APPROVED ARRANGEMENTS (AA) GENERAL POLICIES UPDATE

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has written to all Approved Arrangement entities that they will implement updated AA General Policies (version 6) on 27 February 2017 (subject to any feedback). The updated AA General Policies will not change your overall requirements. The AA General Policies have been updated to allow clarify audit types, accreditation requirements for non-broker AAs and the treatment of CARs issued outside audit. ... login required

Border

12.2.2017 - DIBP - INTEGRATED CARGO SYSTEM (ICS) EFT PAYMENT

Some ICS EFT Payment reports are currently returning incorrect data. The report is on occasion dropping some declarations (and their liabilities) from the daily run. ... login required

10.2.2017 - DIBP - FURTHER CHARGES LAID IN JOINT INVESTIGATION TARGETING COCAINE IMPORTATION

This is joint media release with NSW Police Force, NSW Crime Commission, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A man has been arrested in the USA and Australian agencies are continuing their investigations into the importation of cocaine into Australia. A joint-agency investigation involving the NSW Police Force's Organised Crime Squad, Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Crime Commission, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) commenced in 2015, targeting alleged large-scale drug supply. ... login required

10.2.2017 - DIBP - FOUR ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY IMPORTING UP TO 254 KG OF COCAINE AND 104 KG OF METH

9.2.2017 - DIBP - INDUSTRY ADVICE NOTICE NO. 12-2017 - BICON CASE STRUCTURE AMENDMENTS TO TIMBER PRODUCTS

Who does this notice affect? This notice is of interest to importers of timber and timber products and associated industry participants and retailers. ... login required

8.2.2017 - TC GAZETTE - 2017/09

7.2.2017 - DIBP - AUSTRALIA"S BIGGEST COCAINE INTERCEPTION: 1.4 TONNES SEIZED, SIX CHARGED

A long-running Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation supported by the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS), Organised Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ), the Fijian Transnational Crime Unit, French Polynesian authorities and Australian Border Force (ABF) has resulted in the seizure of more than 1.4 tonnes of cocaine. ... read more

7.2.2017 - DIBP - AUSTRALIA"S BIGGEST COCAINE INTERCEPTION

7.2.2017 - DIBP - JOINT OPERATION SECURES NORTH-WEST PORTS

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

13.2.2017 - CTAA UPDATE - PATRICK TERMINALS - CONTAINER DAMAGE REPORTS
CTAA News Flash - 13th February 2017

Patrick Terminals - Container Damage Reports - Update & Clarification. ... read more

12.2.2017 - CTAA NEWS FLASH: PATRICK TERMINALS - CONTAINER DAMAGE REPORTS
... read more

10.2.2017 - PATRICK PORT BOTANY - STOP WORK DUE TO HEAT

... login required

9.2.2017 - MAERSK LINE ARRIVES IN TASMANIA

On the eve of our inaugural "sell-out" Tasmania Shippers Forum, we are delighted to spread the word from two of our event sponsors. Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipping company, is set to welcome its first container ship to ever visit Tasmanian waters. On Monday 13 February 2017, the "Searuby" with a nominal capacity of 1,368 TEU will make her inaugural call to the port of Bell Bay. ... read more

9.2.2017 - DP WORLD BNE - OUTAGE TODAY FOR SYSTEM UPGRADE
TERMINAL WILL BE CLOSED TODAY THURSDAY 09th FEB 1400-1600 .. login required

Air

8.2.2017 - FORWARDER GROUP: DO NOT PAY INDIA IMPORT TAX

A tax rule change in India has sparked confusion and conflict. Global freight forwarding association FIATA has called on its members to refuse to pay India's new tax on imports to shipping lines, branding the government ruling "unreasonable" and requiring further clarification. India's Ministry of Finance introduced a Jan. 22 amendment to its service tax rules, withdrawing a tax exemption for prepaid freight shipments for all cargo discharged at Indian ports. Such shipments are now subject to a service tax of 4.5 percent. ... login required

UPCOMING EVENTS