DoHA / ABF - Future Cargo Reporting Model – Consultation Paper - Call for Feedback

Friday, June 12, 2026

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) would like to advise members that consultation is now open seeking industry input on the Future Cargo Reporting Model.

The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have released a consultation paper outlining proposed directions for a Future Cargo Reporting Model (FCRM), inviting industry input on how cargo reporting arrangements may evolve to better reflect modern supply chains and data capabilities.

Members can access the consultation paper here:
Future Cargo Reporting Model Consultation Paper

Background and Purpose

Cargo reporting plays a central role in Australia's border operations, supporting risk assessment, cargo clearance, compliance, and revenue collection. The current framework, delivered through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), has been in place for over two decades and was designed around earlier supply chain structures and data availability.

The consultation recognises that global trade volumes, commercial practices, and access to data have significantly evolved. Government agencies are therefore assessing whether existing reporting settings remain appropriate, or whether a new model is needed to better align with contemporary supply chain operations and future regulatory requirements.

The FCRM initiative forms part of the broader Simplified Trade System reform agenda and is focused on designing a future business model for cargo reporting—rather than implementing immediate system or legislative change.
Scope of the Consultation

The consultation is seeking practical, experience-based input from industry on key elements of a potential future model, including:

what cargo information is required
who should be responsible for providing that information
when reporting should occur across the supply chain

It also explores a range of emerging concepts intended to improve the timeliness, accuracy and usability of cargo data. These include earlier reporting of cargo information prior to loading, alternative reporting structures to address current data dependencies, and potential separation of cargo release processes from revenue assessment.

Importantly, this consultation is a design and discovery process only. It does not represent a procurement activity, nor does it propose immediate changes to legislation or existing systems.

Alignment with Broader Reform Initiatives

This work sits alongside the Cargo Reporting System Transformation (CRST) initiative, which is separately examining future cargo system capabilities, data sharing arrangements, and technology solutions to support longer-term modernisation.

Together, these initiatives signal a significant review of how cargo reporting may operate in the future, with potential implications for importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, terminal operators, airlines, and shipping lines.

Consultation Timeline

The consultation was released today, 11 June 2026, with submissions due by 7:00pm AEST on 29 June 2026.
Submissions can be lodged directly with the Department via email at FCRM@abf.gov.au.

FTA/APSA Engagement and Call for Feedback

FTA/APSA will be preparing a consolidated industry submission in response to this consultation.
Given the potential impact on cargo reporting obligations, data flows, compliance requirements, and broader supply chain operations, we strongly encourage members to review the consultation paper and provide feedback to support our submission.
Members are invited to share practical insights, concerns, and recommendations, particularly in relation to:

operational impacts of current reporting arrangements
opportunities to improve data quality and timeliness
challenges associated with existing reporting dependencies
implications of earlier or additional reporting requirements
any unintended consequences or regulatory risks

Please forward your feedback via email to tjensen@FTAlliance.com.au by Wednesday 24 June 2026 to allow sufficient time for review and inclusion in the FTA/APSA submission.

Further information on the FCRM can be found at the Future Cargo Reporting Model website.

Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA