WiseTech Academy are now offering the nationally recognised TLI50816 Diploma of Customs Broking, packed with up-to-date and job-relevant content for aspiring customs brokers that's easier and more affordable than ever. This newly added course is self-guided and pay-as-you-go, meaning you can plan to do as much or as little as you like each semester and not have to worry about paying full course fees upfront. You can complete the Diploma through the Academy in three semesters, rather than the traditional four, and you can always get assistance along the way from WiseTech Academy's fully qualified online facilitators who are licensed customs brokers. The Academy also offers full recognition for Diploma modules completed elsewhere under a credit transfer process, provided at no cost. The course kicks off on January 18, 2021. The full course fee for the Academy's Diploma is only $2128 (GST free) so, if you're looking to start studying, finish your Diploma, or know someone looking to do it, make 2021 the year.
For further detail please contact Alina Van Harn at contact@wisetechacademy.com |
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GRIDLOCK - PEAK SEASON LOGISTICS |
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Unfortunately, the ugly predictions that we painted in a member update on 3 December 2020 has become a reality - as well impacts on imports during the current peak demand period, the impacts on our containerised exports was communicated in an interview that we had with Michael Condon on the ABC Radio "NSW Country Hour" on 10 December 2021.
As outlined in our 9 December 2021 interview with My Therese Blank (Head of Oceania Export Market, Regional Ocean Management, Maersk), measures are being taken to address the glut of empty containers in Port Botany however these will not provide immediate relief. Following this interview, My advised that Maersk plan to utilise several vessels that do not normally call Port Botany (or Melbourne) to assist in evacuating empties from Sydney and Melbourne. This is in addition to normal vessel schedules where empty evacuations are being prioritised. The additional vessel calls should exceed a 10,000 TEU+ uplift of empties, on top of planned normal services in coming weeks.
In the interim, we are pursuing the NSW Government and NSW Ports to facilitate a solution to provide additional storage with empty container parks and transport yards at capacity.
In parallel to the above logistics matters, we are continuing our engagement with the Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment in terms of commercially unacceptable service levels in document assessments and inspections. In the past when we have experienced similar problems, the department has been able to recover the situation by deploying staff on an overtime basis. Due to budgetary restraints, this solution has not yet been deployed meaning that we can expect increasing delays and cargo gridlock.
Following our meeting last month with Deputy Secretary Andrew Tongue and senior department executives, Colin Hunter (First Assistant Secretary of Biosecurity Operations Division) has been tasked to lead remedial action with an initial 'round-table' meeting scheduled with peak industry representatives on 22 December 2020. |
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FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Funding opportunities are now available to help the international trade sector move out of the economic difficulties faced this year and to develop innovative solutions to address emerging operational challenges and statutory reforms.
Biosecurity Innovation Program; the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative; and the Australian International Trade and Transport Industry Development Fund - READ MORE |
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CBH GROUP JOIN THE ALLIANCE !!
We are delighted to report that the CBH Group has joined the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA).
Australia's largest co-operative and a leader in the Australian grain industry, the CBH Group has operations extending along the value chain from grain storage, handling, transport, marketing and processing. Owned and controlled by approximately 3,900 Western Australian grain growing businesses, the core purpose of the CBH Group is to sustainably create and return value to growers.
We look forward to working closely the CBH Group in the years ahead and warmly welcome them to our growing alliance !!
EXPORTER APSA MEMBERS
IMPORTER FTA MEMBERS
FREIGHT FORWARDER / CUSTOMS BROKER FTA MEMBERS
JOIN THE ALLIANCE
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FTA / APSA ADVOCACY ON INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGES |
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We are delighted that our advocacy across all states and federal government has been heard. Our concern is that the response to be led by the National Transport Commission (NTC) approach appears unlikely to provide the required relief to Australian exporters and importers need with anticipation that state governments will follow a process similar to that recently instigated in Victoria. While stevedores will have to jump through a few more hoops and will face increased scrutiny in terms of any variation to Infrastructure Surcharges (Terminal Access Charges), it is likely that this process will see industry receive incremental increases on what are already exorbitant fees.
Of concern, it is likely that the NTC may give tacit approval for this cost recovery regime. Our stance has always, and continues to be, for operational costs to be either absorbed by the stevedore or passed onto their commercial clients the shipping lines (not imposed on third party transport operators who further inflate this cost with administration fees cascading down the supply chain). If this cost was passed on to shipping lines, they would then have the choice of absorbing this cost or passing it onto their commercial client in formal negotiations with importers, exporters and freight forwarders. That's how it should be. |
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CONGESTION SURCHARGES & CONTAINER DETENTION
We engaged again this week with the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) with a primary focus on the ongoing administration of shipping line-imposed congestion surcharges and container detention fees. We are pleased to advise that the ACCC have agreed to receive a supplementary commentary to support our original submission in response to the their discussion paper Proposed Class Exemption for Ocean Liner Shipping. |
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ZARNATA EXPRESS
The ZARNATA EXPRESS has returned to Appleton Docks to continue repairs - latest update HERE - we will continue engagement with ISS and will provide further detail as soon as this is available. |
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IMPORTATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES
COVID-19 vaccines also require Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARGT) registration, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before they can be imported.
For further information please refer to the complete Industry Advice Notice 211/2020 HERE |
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REPEAL OF THE EXPORT CONTROL ON GOODS ESSENTIAL TO CONTROLLING AND PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Border Force (ABF) put in place prohibitions on the export of specified goods that contribute to controlling and preventing the spread of COVID-19, including personal protective equipment and disinfectants.From 11 December 2020, regulation 13GI and regulation 13GJ of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 (the Regulations) are repealed - for further information please refer to ACN 2020/51 |
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PACIFIC AGREEMENT FOR CLOSER ECONOMIC RELATIONS (PACER) PLUS ENTERS INTO FORCE 13 DECEMBER 2020
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has published a Guide to the PACER Plus on the ABF PACER Plus webpage |
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NEW BENEFITS FOR AUSTRALIAN TRUSTED TRADERS
1. Expansion of ATT Origin Waiver benefit / 2. Periodic Payments benefit - refer Australian Customs Notice 2020/43 |
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GLOBAL DATA STANDARDS AND GTIN REPORTING SPEEDS CUSTOMS CLEARANCE OF GOODS INTO MAINLAND CHINA |
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| Thank you to MARCEL SIEIRA - Chief Customer Officer, GS1 Australia for his commentary in the most recent edition of our member magazine, Across Borders. |
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| In December 2019, GS1 Australia began sharing GTIN master data with GS1 China to support Chinese customs import clearance systems. This means Australian exporters providing GTIN data, and with trade history, may enjoy streamlined customs clearance processes. Customs agencies in China have implemented GTIN declaration for the single window system, and as noted on the General Administration of Customs website 'enterprises can enjoy an intelligent auto-fill feature by using GTIN'. This simplifies and speeds up the declaration process and improves accuracy - READ MORE |
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NEW CUSTOMS LEGISLATION TO CHANGE THE EFFECT OF RECENT AUSTRALIAN CASES
Over the past few years, Customs has had some major, and at times, surprising losses in Australian Court and Tribunals (in one case wheelie bins were classified as vehicles). The most high profile loss concerned the classification of vita-gummies where the High Court held that they should be classified as a medicament rather than food.
Legislation has been introduced to parliament to prevent a replication of outcomes in respect of future imports. The outcome will mean that future imports will be taxed as Customs intended. However, the legislation does not undo the judicial reasoning that resulted in Customs losing those cases. Most significantly, we are still stuck with the position that the French text of the HS Code needs to be considered when interpreting the Customs Tariff Act (which, incidentally, is in English).
A detail commentary from Russell Wiese, Principal Hunt & Hunt Lawyers is available HERE
Join us to hear direct from Russell and our panel of expert presenters at the below listed February 2021 events !! |
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RETURN OF FACE TO FACE EVENTS |
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We delighted to advise that the COVID-19 conferencing distancing requirements in SYDNEY have been reduced to 2 sqm.
Therefore we now have additional capacity and can take further registrations for both Friday 5 February 2021 and Saturday 6 February 2021 at the Novotel Brighton Le-Sands.
We will continue to liaise with the contracted venues to ensure that these events comply with the COVID-19 distancing requirements. We are very happy to advise that we will no longer require the Sydney overflow room and all participants will attend the session in the Grand Ballroom. |
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All sessions will provide 24 CPD points for the customs broker licensing period ending 31 March 2021.
SYDNEY - Friday 5 February 2021
3 spaces remain (hopeful of further spaces pending announcement of a 2 square metre rule)
- Click HERE for program
SYDNEY - Saturday 6 February 2021 - Click HERE for program
MELBOURNE - Friday 12 February 2021 - Click HERE for program
MELBOURNE - Saturday 13 February 2021 - Click HERE for program
BRISBANE - Wednesday 17 February 2021 - Click HERE for program
PERTH - Saturday 20 February 2021 - Click HERE for program LIMITED remaining places will be provided on a 'first-in' basis.
Cost for members is $330 incl GST / non-member $385
TO REGISTER FOR A FEBRUARY 2021 EVENT - please contact Caroline Zalai at czalai@ftalliance.com.au |
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BRIEFING ON INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSISTANCE MECHANISM
Join Michael Byrne, International Freight Co-ordinator General and Air Vice Marshal Marg Staib, Australian Government Freight Controller who together will provide an update on the program via webinar on 16 December 2020 - REGISTER HERE |
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FTA SUBMISSION - LEGISLATION ON CYBER-SECURITY / CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
We partnered with technology security specialist Cyber Citadel in making a detailed submission to the Department of Home Affairs in response to the Exposure Draft Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2020.
Our submission notes that the international trade sector continues to be targeted by cyber-attacks. As well affecting major corporations, SMEs in the sector are also extremely vulnerable with members reporting serious disruptions.As a part of this submission, a comprehensive paper was released titled "The Threat to Logistics: Preparing for a New Age of Cybercrime" - available HERE |
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 | | An executive summary of key elements referenced in our submission is captured in this brief (3 min 30 sec) video. |
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DYSON LOGISTICS - LOCAL BUSINESS AWARD |
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Congratulations to FTA member Dyson Logistics, winners of the Outstanding Specialised Business category at the Central Coast Local Business Awards on Wednesday 2 December 2020.
Kane Dyson said 'to say we are brimming with pride would be an understatement. This award is a real vindication of the hard work the staff have put in over the last year under incredibly stressful and unpredictable times.' |
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- ABS - International Merchandise Trade, Preliminary, Australia, October 2020 ...
read more - ABS - International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia, October 2020 ... read more
- CTS - Global TEU volume and price index October 2020 ... read more
- CTS - Australasia & Ocenia Import/Export volume October 2020 ... read more
- Flinders Ports Trade Statistics November 2020 ... read more
- Fremantle Ports - APSA Trade Statistics October 2020 ... read more
- IATA - Ecomomic Performance of the Airline Industry ... read more
- IATA - Industry Statistics November 2020 ... read more
- NSW Ports Trade Report October 2020 ... read more
- Pilbara Ports Authority Shipping Figures for October 2020 ... read more
- Port Botany and Port Kembla Trade Statistics October 2020 ... read more
- Port of Brisbane Monthly Trade Report October 2020 ... read more
- Port of Brisbane 3rd Qtr Trade Statistics … click here
- Port of Brisbane September 2020 Quarter Aggregated Cargo Trade Volume … click here
- Port Headland Shipping Figures October and November 2020 ... read more
- Port of Melbourne - Trade Report November 2020 ... read more
- Port of Melbourne - Monthly Overseas Container Report October 2020 ... read more
- Port of Newcastle Monthly Trade Report November 2020 ... read more
- Port of Townsville Import/Export containerised goods in TEU'S ... read more
- Port of Townsville October 2020 Trade Report ...read more
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- Shipping Line Notices 8th to 14th December 2020 ... read more
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8.12.20 - FTA Submission - Legislation on Cyber-Security / Critical Infrastructure ... read more
8.12.20 - Australian Maritime Logistics Research Network (AMLRN) 2020 Symposium ... read more
9.12.20 - Investment reaps rewards for Pilbara's Ports ... read more
9.12.20 - Fremantle Portfolio Newsletter ... read more
9.12.20 - TASPORTS and AAD prepare to welcome RSV NUYINA to the Port of Hobart ... read more
10.12.20 - ACFS - 2020/21 Christmas & New Year Holiday period hours of operation ... read more
11.12.20 - CTAA - Melbourne container logistics congestion critical ... read more
11.12.20 - Port of Newcastle Christmas and New Year office closure ... read more
11.12.20 - Port Kembla gears up for record export grain season ... read more
11.12.20 - Zarnata Express update ... login required
11.12.20 - Price & Speed Christmas and New Year operating hours ... read more
14.12.20 - ISS - Australian Newsletter 656 ... read more
14.12.20 - Port of Brisbane News December 2020 ... read more |
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8.12.20 - IATA - Air Cargo volumes picked up for another month ... read more
8.12.20 - IATA - Air Cargo re overy continues at a slower pace in October ... read more
8.12.20 - Airfreight terminal operating hours - Christmas / New Year ... login required
11.12.20 - International Freight Assistance Mechanism briefing ... read more |
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8.12.20 - DAWE - 2020-71 - Horticulture exports program – Amended New Zealand import health standards for the export of watermelons and pumpkins from Australia ... login required
9.12.20 - DAWE - In this section MAA 2020-20: China: Fish: Request for amendment of health certification for the imports of(Non-Viable) Aquatic products into China (Updated) ... login required
10.12.20 - DAWE - 211-2020 - Importation of COVID-19 vaccines ... login required
10.12.20 - Importation of COVID-19 vaccines ... read more
11.12.20 - 2020-72 - Business systems porgram – Plant exports management system launces new functionality for exporters, EDI users and registered establishment executives and other system enhancements ... login required
11.12.20 - DAWE - 2020-73 - Plant exports – Christmas and New Year period arrangements ... login required
11.12.20 - Service levels at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment ... login required
11.12.20 - DAWE - 212-2020 - COLS, OPS and PEBS navailable fromM 23:00 Friday 11 December to 00:00 Saturday 12 December 2020 (AEDT) ... login required
11.12.20 - DAWE - 2020-74 - Horticulture exports program – Requirements for Indonesia recommendations to Import horticulture and import licences ... login required
11.12.20 - DAWE - 213-2020 - The Department is implementing a number of new commodities onto the compliance based intervention scheme (CBIS) ... login required
14.12.20 - DAWE - 2020-75 - Plant export operations – Requirements for non-GM certification to India ... login required
14.12.20 - DAWE - 214-2020 - Service disruption: From 16:00 to 23:59 Sunday 20 December 2020 (AEDT) - BICON ... login required
14.12.20 - DAWE - 215-2020 - New Import permit requirements for apiaceous vegetable seed species commencing from 30 March 2021 ... login required
14.12.20 - DAWE - 216-2020 - Inspections of drien finfish that is not frozen ... login required
14.12.20 - DAWE - In this section 213-2020 - The Department is implementing a number of new commodities onto the compliance based intervention scheme (CBIS) ... login required |
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9.12.20 - ABF - TC Gazette 20-46 ... read more
11.12.20 - NZ Customs Release 591 ... login required
11.11.20 - Pacific agreement for closer economic relations (PACER) Plus enters into force 13 December 2020 ... read more
11.12 20 - New Customs legislation to change the effect of recent Australian cases ... read more
11.12.20 - New benefits for Australian trusted traders ... read more
11.12.20 - AFP - 450k of MDMA found in excavator from UK ... read more
11.12.20 - ABF - Australian Customs Notice No. 2020/51 Repeal of the export control on goods essential to controlling and preventing the spread of COVID-19 ... read more
11.12.20 - ABF - Australian Customs Notice No. 2020/50 Application for Customs Broker Licences ... read more
11.12.20 - Repeal of the export control on goods essential to controlling and preventing the spread of COVID-19 ... read more
14.12.20 - WCO Council maps the road ahead to ensure the recovery, renewal and resilience of the customs and trade community for a sustainable supply chain ... read more |
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8.12.20 - WTO - Electronics and Automotive products lift global merchandise trade in Q3, services lag behind ... read more
9.12.20 - ATIC - Critical Trade Updates ... read more
10.12.20 - Funding opportunities for the International Trade sector ... read more
11.12.20 - DFAT - Reforms to the export market development grants scheme pass parliament ... read more
13.12.20 - DFAT - Trade agreement with the Pacific enters into force ... read more
14.12.20 - WTO - Report shows marked decline in trade restrictions by WTO members amidst COVID-19 pandemic ... read more |
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ANTI-DUMPING COMMISSION NOTICES - ADN |
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8th to 14th December 2020- 2020/145 [PDF 342.84 KB] Case 565, Ammonium nitrate, Extension of time to issue SEF and Final Report, Russia, 8/12/2020
- 2020/143 [PDF 159.38 KB] Case 541, Aluminium extrusions (surface finished), Preliminary Affirmative Decision - PAD 541, Malaysia, 09/12/2020
- 2020/142 [PDF 159.32 KB] Case 540, Aluminium extrusions (mill finish), Preliminary Affirmative Decision - PAD 540, Malaysia, 09/12/2020
- 2020/145 [PDF 287.93 KB] Case 569, Grinding Balls, Initiation of a Continuation Inquiry, China, 14/12/2020
- 2020/144 [PDF 736.92 KB] Monthly Status Report - November 2020, 14/12/2020
- 2020/136 [PDF 342.83 KB] Case 527, Resealable can end closures, Findings in relation to Review 527, Malaysia 14/12/2020
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BUSINESS SALES / OFFICE LEASE |
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Refer to our classifieds service available HERE |
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SAFE CONTAINER LOADING PRACTICES & HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY |
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FINANCE REPORT
Weekly Market Commentary and Calendar.. read more |
CANDIDATE OF THE WEEK
 Sydney - Export Air Freight Operator
Melbourne - Business Development Manager
... read more
Christian Merrigan, Branch Manager - Sydney |
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FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.
2020 sponsorship prospectus is available HERE |
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