National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF)

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) wants to know what can be done to better facilitate international trade.  Supply chain professionals are the true facilitators of international trade so making their job easier will lead to increased trade facilitation.

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been selected to be a member of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF).  The NCTF will comprise of the ACBPS and peak bodies that represent those involved in international trade.  FTA will be represented at the initial meeting by Russell Wiese of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

FTA and Hunt & Hunt will host a webinar at 11am EST on Monday 25 May to explain the purpose of the NCTF and take your feed back on this issue.  To register for the webinar, clickHERE.

Background

The purpose of the NCTF is to facilitate the domestic implementation and coordination of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (ATF).  The ATF sets out a number of measures to be adopted by WTO members to expedite the movement, release and clearance of goods.  Please click HERE for a copy of the ATF.

Types of issues

Clearly there are major issues that need to be addressed such as cargo reporting of assembly orders, but smaller issues are also important.  For instance:

• Should all TCOs be listed in a searchable public database;

• Should more ACBPS rulings be public;

• What could be done to improve coordination between the ACBPS and the Department of Agriculture;

• Are the rules for registration of Customs Brokers sufficiently transparent;

• Are there appropriate provisions for expedited shipments and perishable goods.

The ATF covers the following topics:

• Publication and availability of information;

• Opportunities for comment;

• Advance rulings;

• Procedures for appeal or review;

• Measures to enhance impartiality;

• Fees and charges;

• Penalties;

• Release and clearance of goods;

• Border agency cooperation;

• Movement of goods under customs control;

• Formalities associated with import/export and transit;

• Freedom of transit.

Feedback

Please provide us with your suggestions for change or examples of where Customs has held up trade so that we can ensure you are represented at the inaugural NCTF meeting on 28 May.   No issue is too big or too small.  

Please join us at the webinar or contact us by email or telephone.

Russell Wiese - Partner, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
rwiese@hunthunt.com.au
03 8602 9231

Paul Zalai - Director, FTA
pzalai@FTAlliance.com.au
02 9975 1878