FTA / APSA Weekly Report 2017/17 - sponsored by Crowe Horwath

Wednesday, April 26, 2017
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HOT OFF THE PRESS - this morning's economic commentary - courtesy Collinson Forex

Markets exploded in reaction to the first round of the French Presidential elections. The French CAC rallied over 4%, with Centrist candidate Macron, leading through to a run-off with LePen. Polls predict an easy win for Macron, who has been endorsed by the traditional left and right wing parties, but it is a two horse race? The next two weeks look like a cruise to victory, but any hint of a 'Brexit' or 'Trump' , will cause massive upheaval in markets. The EUR rallied to 1.0930, despite a push from the Dollar, reflected in the Yen which moved to 111.10. Markets were closed for ANZAC day in Australia and NZ, with the currencies drifting, due to a rising reserve. The AUD slipped back to 0.7525, while the KIWI plunged through 0.7000, settling around 0.6950. Global economic data releases are plentiful for the coming week and should provide market direction with incidental Geo-Political events ... read more

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

L to R - Travis Brooks-Garrett & Paul Zalai (FTA / APSA) and Crowe Horwath's Jim Dawson (International Tax Partner - U.S. East Region Leader & America's Region Leader) & Sam Neale (Australian International Tax Lead Partner) - Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, Melbourne 20 April 2017.

Crowe Horwath is the largest provider of practical accounting, audit, tax, business and financial advice to individuals and businesses from a network of over 80 offices throughout the country. Crowe Howarth's Customs and International Trade Advisory arm is proud to support members of both APSA and FTA in solving complex cross-border tax and customs duty issues, while unlocking savings through forensic and strategic auditing.

CONTACT: Richard Nutt (Associate Partner - Customs and International Trade Advisory) on Richard.Nutt@crowehorwath.com.au or 02 9619 1607  .

Amendment to import service tax on prepaid freight - India

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) brought this issue to the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in the beginning of the year, after concerns were expressed by APSA member- the Australian Cotton Shippers Association.

The original amendment held shippers liable to pay the tax and it was to be collected by the international shipping lines, with some lines adding administration surcharges. Since then, DFAT and other local and international bodies have been in communication with the Indian Government, efforts of which can be seen in the revised amendment.

The revised amendment transfers the tax liability to the importer, which is a significant relief to Australian shippers, particularly at a time when we are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with India ... login required
 
For any further questions in respect to this matter please email secretariat@auspsa.com

We are privileged to have senior representatives from DFAT and Austrade engaging with members at our upcoming CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program events.

Coastal Shipping

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has decided to extend the deadline for submissions in response to the Coastal Shipping Reforms Discussion Paper.
 
Submissions should be made by close of business, Friday 12 May 2017.
 
Further information on the reforms and making a submission can be found on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development's website: https://infrastructure.gov.au/maritime/business/coastal_shipping/index.aspx. 


To include your views in the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) submission, please email to secretariat@auspsa.com

Travis Brooks-Garrett - FTA / APSA

DFAT and Austrade at upcoming FTA / APSA events

Michael Growder, Free Trade Agreement Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Michael Growder is currently Assistant Secretary in DFAT's Free Trade Agreement Division. Michael has been posted to China and Vietnam during his time at DFAT, was part of the negotiating teams working on the China, Japan and Korea FTAs, and has also written published reports on Australian commercial opportunities in India and China. Prior to DFAT, Michael worked at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Sally Phillips, Manager, Strategic Engagement, FTA Program, Austrade

Sally has 20 years of professional experience dealing with Japan in both corporate and government roles and has spent over 12 years living in a number of Japan's major cities and regions. Most recently Sally was in Tokyo where she was Counsellor (Commercial) and Trade Commissioner at the Australian Embassy.  With the signing of the Trade Agreements with South Korea, Japan and China, from July 2015, Sally has taken on Austrade's Strategic Engagement of the FTA program.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) continues to set the standard in professional development - register now !
 
Melbourne 3 May  2017,11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points + CBC information session 17 - 18/01
Sydney 17 May 2017 11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points + CBC information session 17 - 18/01
Brisbane 31 May 2017, 11am to 5pm – 16.5 CPD points + CBC information session 17 - 18/01

Melbourne 6 Sept 2017,11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points
Sydney 11 Oct 2017 11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points 
Brisbane 25 Oct 2017, 11am to 5pm – 15 CPD points

View our program - enquiries to czalai@FTAlliance.com.au

Caroline Zalai - FTA / APSA

Are you looking for "FREE" online CPD / CBC ?


As a part of your Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) membership, we offer a tailored package bundling online CPD / CBC training  for all nominated staff at one low fixed annual fee.

For further detail contact Paul Zalai on 02 9975 1878

Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) calls for a 12-month Delay for GST Collection on low value imports

The Senate Economics Legislation Committee heard last Friday from the group of eBay, Amazon, Alibaba and Etsy arguing for a "Logistics" model to collect GST on low value goods at the border, this being well outside of the scope of the proposed bill.  
 

The powerful consortium stated that the government does not expect Westfield to collect and remit GST on behalf of all their retail tenants. They then made a comparison to their businesses, questioning the logic of the government to expect that they collect and remit GST on behalf online sellers that use their eCommerce platforms as a means of reaching the market. ... read more


FTA Commentary as published in Lloyds List Australia ... read more

Dangerous Goods Regulation


Purchase the latest DGR edition HERE

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READ MORE

Candidate of the Week

 

Melbourne

 

Cartage Coordinator

10+ years in forwarding transport operations handling both air and Seafreight, our candidate knows what they are doing!

.… read more

 

Sydney

 

Customer Service/Key Accounts

Professionally presented candidate seeking a new opportunity within the industry! This candidate thrives on building relationships with clients so is ideally looking for a role within Customer Service or Key Accounts.

… read more

 

Top 10 Candidates

... read more

 

Contact your Insync Personnel Rep

Office: 1300 467 962
Matt: 0407 280 155 (matthew@insyncpersonnel.com.au)
Leanne: 0450 454 484 (leanne@insyncpersonnel.com.au)
Kim: 0417 826 164 (kim@insyncpersonnel.com.au)
Christian: 0439 542 022 (christian@insyncpersonnel.com.au)

COMPLIANT CUSTOMS


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Want to more:

Are you meeting your Sec 77G Depot obligations?

 

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has partnered the Australian Border Force in developing a training package titled "SEC 77G DEPOTS - Obligations in dealing with goods subject to ABF control" ... read more

MAJOR SPONSORS

DUAL APSA / FTA SPONSORS

APSA SPONSORS

FTA SPONSORS

General

25.4.2017 - AMENDMENT TO TAX RULE - INDIA

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) brought this issue to the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in the beginning of the year, after concerns were expressed by APSA member- the Australian Cotton Shippers Association. The original amendment held shippers liable to pay the tax and it was to be collected by the international shipping lines, with some lines adding administration surcharges. ... login required

24.4.2017 - FREIGHT AND TRADE ALLIANCE CALLS FOR A 12-MONTH DELAY FOR GST COLLECTION ON LOW VALUE IMPORTS

The Senate Economics Legislation Committee heard last Friday from the group of eBay, Amazon, Alibaba and Etsy arguing for a "Logistics" model to collect GST on low value goods at the border, this being well outside of the scope of the proposed bill.  

The powerful consortium stated that the government does not expect Westfield to collect and remit GST on behalf of all their retail tenants. They then made a comparison to their businesses, questioning the logic of the government to expect that they collect and remit GST on behalf online sellers that use their eCommerce platforms as a means of reaching the market. ... read more

24.4.2017 - CROWE HORWATH - SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Crowe Horwath is the largest provider of practical accounting, audit, tax, business and financial advice to individuals and businesses from a network of over 80 offices throughout the country. Crowe Howarth's Customs and International Trade Advisory arm is proud to support members of both APSA and FTA in solving complex cross-border tax and customs duty issues, while unlocking savings through forensic and strategic auditing.  

23.4.2017 - COASTAL SHIPPING

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has decided to extend the deadline for submissions in response to the Coastal Shipping Reforms Discussion Paper. ... login required

21.4.2017 - LABOR CALL FOR DELAY TO GST ON LOW VALUE IMPORTS - FREIGHT AND TRADE ALLIANCE CALLS FOR A 12-MONTH DELAY

Following revelations the proposed GST on low-value imports may be unenforceable and cause major disruptions for families and small businesses, Labor today calls on the Turnbull Government to delay its implementation for one year, until 1 July 2018. ... read more

21.4.2017 - AMAZON, ALIBABA, EBAY AND ETSY MAY BLOCK AUSTRALIAN USERS IF CONTROVERSIAL ONLINE GST CHANGES GO AHEAD

AUSTRALIAN consumers could potentially be blocked from buying goods from overseas on eBay, Amazon, Alibaba and Etsy if the government pushes ahead with its controversial online GST changes. Under new laws slated to come into effect from July 1, overseas businesses with an annual turnover of $75,000 or more will be required to register with the ATO to collect GST on all goods sold, including purchases under the current low-value threshold of $1000. ... read more

21.4.2017 - GST ON LOW VALUE IMPORTS - FTA APPEAR BEFORE SENATE ECONOMICS LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
On 23 March 2017, the Senate referred the provisions of the Treasury Laws Amendment (GST Low Value Goods) Bill 2017  to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report. The bill proposes to amend i) A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 to ensure that goods and services tax is payable on certain supplies of low value goods that are purchased by consumers and are imported into Australia; and ii) Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA) to broaden administrative penalties for making false or misleading statements.

The Committee is due to report to the Senate by 9 May 2017. ... read more

21.4.2017 - FTA OPENING REMARKS TO THE SENATE ECONOMICS LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Thank you for the opportunity to present to the Committee.

By way of background, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is Australia's largest representative group of service providers, by that we refer to freight forwarders and customs brokerages, representing 268 businesses. We also provide support services to this sector, particularly professional development training, including CAPEC members, DHL, Fedex and UPS. We would like to note that our submission does not represent their interests and we note that they have made independent representations before the committee. ... read more

20.4.2017 - DFAT TRADE TALK

Trade Talk brings you a selection of the latest trade news from Australia and the world. ... login required

19.4.2017 - 1-STOP MARCH/APRIL NEWSLETTER - EDITION 2
... read more

18.4.2017 - FTA CPD & CBC BORDER& BIOSECURITY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM AUTUMN 2017 PROGRAM

Register now! ... read more

Agriculture

21.4.2017 - DAWR - RAW PRAWN UPDATE #20

... login required

20.4.2017 - DAWR - PLANT EXPORT SERVICE STANDARD UPDATE

The Assessment Service Group has been maintaining its air freight service standard of one business day. However, over the Easter break significant certification requests were received and despite having staff working during this period we are working through the resulting backlog. At present we are approximately half a day outside the 3 business day sea freight service standard ... login required

20.4.2017 - DAWR - DEPARTMENT'S ACTION ON IMPORTED PRAWNS - UPDATE APRIL 2017

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources continues to take appropriate steps to support Queensland in managing the current outbreak of white spot disease. Separately the department is taking steps to manage the biosecurity risks associated with the importation of uncooked prawns which is one possible pathway for white spot disease. ... login required

19.4.2017 - DAWR - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) NOTIFICATIONS

Who does this notice affect?

Plant importers who have consignments at the government operated post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility at Mickleham. ... login required

19.4.2017 - DAWR - 39-2017 - INVOICING FOR PLANTS CURRENTLY AT THE MICKLEHAM POST-ENTRY QUARANTINE FACILITY

Who does this notice affect?

Plant importers who have consignments at the government operated post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility at Mickleham. ... login required

19.4.2017 - DAWR - 40-2017 – REPORTABLE BIOSECURITY INCIDENTS: BIOSECURITY RISK INCIDENTS AND LEGAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS  

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is relevant to all persons who have knowledge of, or come into contact with, goods subject to biosecurity control. This includes, but is not limited to, importers, brokers, biosecurity industry participants, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, masters of vessels and transport operators. ... login required

19.4.2017 - DAWR - 38-2017 - PROHIBITED PACKAGING STATEMENTS

Who does this notice affect?

Clients who assess consignment specific and annual packing declarations under Approved Arrangement Class 19.1 - Non-commodity for containerised cargo clearance or present packing declarations to facilitate non-commodity clearance by the department. ... login required

18.4.2017 - DAWR - WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY (SPS) 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. ... login required

Border

24.4.2017 - ABF - 119 KILOGRAMS OF ICE SEIZED DESTINED FOR ADELAIDE

Three men associated with an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) have been charged following a major multi-agency drug operation resulting in the seizure of approximately 119 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $119 million*. ... read more

20.4.2017 - NZ CUSTOMS RELEASE - ISSUE 402

... login required

18.4.2017 - DIBP - VICTORIAN COMPANY LOSES CUSTOMS DEPOT LICENCE FOR REPEATED BREACHES

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has cancelled the customs depot licence of a Victorian company for repeatedly breaching its licence conditions. ... login required

18.4.2017 - DIBP - TOBACCO CRIMINAL SYNDICATE DISMANTLED IN MELBOURNE

An Australian Border Force (ABF) operation, assisted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), has resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old man for allegedly possessing more than 4.8 million cigarettes illegally imported into Melbourne. ... login required

18.4.2017 - DIBP - EASTER WEEKEND HEROIN IMPORT LEADS TO ARRESTS IN ADELAIDE

An alleged attempt to import heroin in a metal hammock frame at Adelaide International Airport over the weekend has led to two arrests, with two people due to appear in Adelaide Magistrates' Court today (18 April 2017). Investigations began after a 35-year-old Cranbourne (Victoria) woman arrived in Adelaide on a flight from Cambodia - via Singapore - on Saturday (15 April 2017). ... read more

Industry

ANTI-DUMPING NOTICES 2017 

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

24.4.2017   DP WORLD AUSTRALIA: FAREWELL GREG WINSTANLEY, WELCOME BACK ROWAN BULLOCK

On Friday, 21 April, the team in Melbourne bid a fond farewell to Greg Winstanley. After three eventful years with DP World Australia — and a long career on the waterfront, which started with Patrick in the 1980s — Greg has made the decision to retire, to take more time with his family and to travel.  ... read more

21.4.2017 - PATRICK PORT BOTANY - RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS

... login required

20.4.2017 - PATRICK PORT BOTANY - MUA INDUSTRIAL ACTION

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been advised by Patrick that the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have taken "illegal industrial action" and have ceased work at their Port Botany terminal (please note that all other Patrick terminals nationally are unaffected by this action). ... login required

18.4.2017 - PORT OF BRISBANE - STORA ENSO CHOOSES PORT OF BRISBANE AS NEW QUEENSLAND BASE

Stora Enso, a leading provider of renewable wood and bio material products with world-wide operations, has pre-committed to a 5,950sqm purpose-built warehouse facility on a 1.8 hectare site within the Port of Brisbane's Port West logistics estate at Lytton, Brisbane. ... read more

Air

25.4.2017 - FIATA - E-FLASH NO. 149 - 21 APRIL 2017

... login required

18.4.2017 - MENZIES AVIATION TERMINAL CHARGES

Please find attached the latest revision of Menzies Aviation terminal charges covering their Australian operations as well as a covering letter to accompany the schedule of fees. ... read more

UPCOMING EVENTS

3 May 2017 : CPD & CBC - Upcoming Events [...]
3 May 2017 : VIC - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
17 May 2017 : NSW - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
31 May 2017 : QLD - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
1 June 2017 : VIC - ABF Industry Operational Training Session [...]
26 July 2017 : NSW - Women in Logistics [...]
15 Aug 2017 : EXECUTIVE FORUM - NSW Intermodal [...]
6 Sept 2017 : VIC - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
11 Oct 2017 : NSW - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
25 Oct 2017 : QLD - CPD & CBC - Border and Biosecurity Compliance Program [...]
FTA and APSA are proud supporters of the following international associations
Contact: 02 9975 1878 info@FTAlliance.com.au

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