Customs Licensing Reforms Member Feedback Requested

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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Who does this notice affect?

Customs brokers, bonded depot licence holders, bonded warehouse licence holders, freight forwarders and logistics providers involved in licensed customs-controlled operations.

 Customs Licensing Reforms

Member Feedback Requested

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) wish to advise members that the Australian Border Force (ABF) is seeking feedback on proposed reforms relating to customs licensing arrangements for customs brokers, depot licence holders and warehouse licence holders.

The ABF discussion paper is available HERE.

The consultation focuses on two key areas:

Proposed Advisory Committee for Depot and Warehouse Licensing Matters

The ABF is considering the establishment of an advisory committee framework for depot and warehouse licensing matters, modelled on the existing National Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Committee (NCBLAC).

According to the ABF, the proposed model is intended to strengthen transparency, industry engagement, integrity settings and decision-making associated with higher-risk or more complex depot and warehouse licensing matters.

The proposed framework includes consideration of:
  • creation of a dedicated depot and warehouse division within the existing committee structure
  • introduction of a Deputy Chair role
  • inclusion of depot and warehouse industry representation and Commonwealth representation
The ABF has indicated that the proposed committee would focus on more complex or higher-risk matters such as:
  • licence suspensions, cancellations or rejections
  • integrity and fit-and-proper person considerations
  • complex applications and changes of control
  • higher-risk licence variations including relocations
Routine applications and lower-risk administrative matters are expected to remain outside the committee process and continue under standard administrative arrangements.

Review of Additional Licence Conditions

The ABF is also undertaking a review of the additional licence conditions currently imposed on customs broker, depot and warehouse licence holders under:
  • ACN 2022/46 – New Obligations on Depot and Warehouse Licences
  • ACN 2024/21 – New Obligations on Customs Broker Licences
The review is intended to assess whether the current conditions remain appropriate, clear and fit for purpose within the current regulatory and operational environment.

Members are specifically invited to provide feedback on:
  • the ongoing relevance of existing conditions
  • clarity and practical application of obligations
  • whether further guidance or clarification is required
  • proposed amendments, new conditions or alternative approaches
  • operational and compliance impacts on business activities
FTA recognises the importance of these reforms and their potential impact on customs brokers, freight forwarders, depot operators, warehouse licence holders and related supply chain participants.

FTA remains in regular engagement with the ABF on customs licensing, regulatory reform and broader supply chain integrity measures and encourages members to provide practical operational feedback and observations.

Please send feedback to support@FTAlliance.com.au by Wednesday 10 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.

Members may also provide submissions directly to the ABF via CLR@abf.gov.au


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

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