Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to inform members of a new initiative designed to enhance visibility for transport operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers regarding inspection dates for vessels with containers impacted by Country Action List (commonly referred to as GAS holds).
FTA/APSA have been working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and terminal operators to highlight industry concerns regarding delays on GAS-held shipments. Importers and customs brokers have no control over these delays, which can lead to significant costs due to storage and, ultimately, detention charges.
This new initiative will assist by providing better visibility of inspection times, helping stakeholders plan accordingly and mitigate unnecessary costs. Additionally, it will highlight any delays or bottlenecks in the supply chain, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in managing GAS-held shipments.
Key Details of the Initiative- Scheduled Notifications: Carriers will receive updates on planned GAS inspections via OneStop, providing foresight on expected inspection times.
- Enhanced Transparency: Importers will have increased visibility through their carrier communications, reducing uncertainty about when their containers will be inspected.
- Reduction in Queries: The initiative aims to minimise unnecessary enquiries with terminals regarding GAS-held containers, allowing for smoother operations.
- Access via OneStop: Clearance statuses for GAS-held containers remain accessible through the OneStop system as usual.
- Operational Clarity: If a container is not quarantine-held in OneStop and is marked as clear, it can be collected without additional enquiries.
This initiative was driven by Patrick Terminals' Landside team to improve operational efficiency and provide clarity to industry stakeholders. FTA/APSA commend this proactive approach and encourage members to take full advantage of this enhanced communication process.
For further details, please refer to the latest notifications on OneStop or contact your respective transport service provider.
The formal Patrick notice is available here.
FTA/APSA continue to engage with all parties to urge for a nationally consistent reform to the process, enabling the cargo owner to have greater influence over proceedings, given they remain responsible for any additional costs incurred due to delays.
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics FTA | APSA
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