FTA / APSA POSITION ON 'ESSENTIAL SERVICES'
It is imperative that all importers and exporters be allowed to continue to receive and dispatch goods and fall in the definition of essential services.
As well as stevedores, air cargo terminal operators, transport operators, licensed depots, fumigation providers and empty container parks (physical handlers of cargo), it is essential that freight forwarders and customs brokers be included as essential services.
Freight forwarders are playing a critical role in co-ordinating freight and arranging international transport, chartering aircraft and consolidation of freight. Customs brokerages are trade professionals that play an essential role of managing import compliance requirements and co-ordinating domestic transport. Biosecurity compliance managed by customs brokers is more important than ever during these challenging times.
Standards cannot be compromised as Australia cannot afford an imported pest infestation that would decimate our agriculture industry on top of a pandemic.
The entire international supply chain is fragile at the best of times, removing or limiting the capabilities of one link is not an option.
While it has been clearly articulated by the Federal Government that major supermarkets will continue as an essential service, a need exists for business continuity of other retail sectors.
In an environment whereby the policy intent is for the majority of our population to self-isolate, "last-mile" deliveries by carriers and Australia Post, facilitated through ecommerce, will play an essential role.
To ensure that freight and logistics can continue to operate effectively, all steps along the supply chain need to remain operational. Warehousing, as well as fulfilment at retail sites (where those sites may be closed to consumers), will be critical to ensuring goods are delivered and businesses can remain viable. |
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