FTA commentary - Biosecurity Import Levy

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) continues its advocacy in terms of the Biosecurity Import Levey which appears likely to add to the increasing list of surcharges, cost recovery fees and taxes which collectively contributes to a substantial dollar value to the price of landed goods into Australia.

Following a forum hosted on 10 January 2019 by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, we have prepared a detailed commentary addressing the four main questions being asked by various industry sectors:

1. What is the true nature of the levy?;

2. Why is the sea cargo sector carrying the levy burden alone?;

3. What have been the changes since the original model was announced?; and

4. Assuming the levy will proceed, is there a smarter way for the government to collect this revenue?

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA