Cargo Reporting System Transformation discussion paper Member Feedback Requested

Sunday, May 24, 2026

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Exporters, importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics providers.

Cargo Reporting System Transformation discussion paper

Member Feedback Requested

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to advise members that Australian Border Force (ABF), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), has released a discussion paper as part of the Cargo Reporting System Transformation (CRST) initiative.

The initiative represents the first formal step toward a significant modernisation or replacement of Australia's Integrated Cargo System (ICS) — the core platform used for the reporting, management, clearance and risk assessment of imports and exports across Australia's border.

The discussion paper seeks early market feedback from technology providers, system integrators and industry stakeholders on future cargo reporting system capabilities, delivery models, implementation approaches and emerging technologies that may support a contemporary cargo management environment.

Importantly, the paper acknowledges that the current ICS architecture is based on legacy business models and that substantial reform will be required over an extended implementation horizon, potentially spanning 7 to 10 years. The initiative is expected to consider broader legislative, policy, operational and technology reforms across border management and biosecurity functions.

The discussion paper also highlights the importance of future integration across government agencies that rely on cargo reporting data, including DAFF, the Australian Taxation Office, Australian Bureau of Statistics and other border and regulatory agencies. The reform process is expected to examine contemporary international approaches, interoperability standards, emerging technologies and transition pathways to support a future-state cargo reporting environment.

FTA/APSA is in regular engagement with the ABF and DAFF on cargo reporting, trade modernisation and border reform initiatives and will be preparing a formal industry submission in response to the discussion paper.

The proposed transformation has significant long-term implications for importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, terminal operators, transport operators and related service providers that interact with cargo reporting and border management systems.

Members are encouraged to provide operational feedback and observations, particularly in relation to:
  • current ICS limitations and operational pain points
  • data quality and integration issues
  • cargo reporting and messaging challenges
  • impacts on supply chain efficiency and regulatory compliance
  • transition and implementation considerations
  • opportunities for system modernisation and automation
  • interoperability with industry and government systems
  • lessons learned from previous reform initiatives
Please send feedback to SMilici@FTAlliance.com.au by Friday 26 June 2026 so that member views and operational considerations can be incorporated into the FTA/APSA submission and broader engagement with government as part of this important reform process.

FTA/APSA will continue to engage closely with government and advocate for practical, commercially realistic and operationally effective outcomes for industry throughout the reform process


Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA

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