Australian Border Force

Australian Border Force (ABF) has published ACN 2026-15, introducing a practical alternative reporting approach for qualifying breakbulk consignments.

The new arrangements are designed to facilitate more efficient clearance outcomes for certain large breakbulk consignments, particularly where disassembled or unassembled machinery contains a mix of new and used components.

Importantly, the reform enables qualifying consignments to be reported over multiple Full Import Declaration (FID) lines in defined circumstances, allowing Community Protection Questions (CPQs) to apply differently across separate parts of the same machine or consignment.

This change is expected to deliver significant operational benefits for industry, including:

• reduced unnecessary inspection and treatment of new components
• reduced double handling of cargo
• lower transport and storage costs
• improved utilisation of Approved Arrangement (AA) facilities
• reduced congestion impacts across the supply chain

The issue was originally raised by an FTA member acting on behalf of an importer of large breakbulk machinery including oversized equipment imported in unassembled form.

FTA subsequently met with the member and their importer client to better understand the operational and commercial impacts being experienced under existing ICS reporting arrangements.

The matter was then raised directly with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), however a practical operational solution was unable to be achieved under existing settings.

FTA subsequently escalated the issue through engagement with the ABF Regulatory Sandbox team and relevant policy areas. While it was ultimately determined that the matter could not proceed through a Regulatory Sandbox controlled trial, ABF officers continued working collaboratively on alternative options.

That engagement has now resulted in the publication of ACN 2026/15 and the implementation of an administrative and policy solution that will benefit the broader industry.

FTA extends sincere thanks to the member involved for raising the issue and working constructively through the process, along with appreciation to the ABF officers and policy teams who remained engaged throughout and progressed a practical outcome.

FTA has also formally written to the ABF Commissioner recognising the professionalism, collaboration and commitment shown by the officers involved in delivering this reform outcome.

This initiative represents a strong example of practical modernisation and industry-government collaboration supporting both trade facilitation and effective border management outcomes.

For further information, members are encouraged to refer to: Australian Customs Notice 2026-15