Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) advises members of the release by Australian Border Force (ABF) of Australian Customs Notice (ACN) 2026/18 - Preventing Piggybacking: Expectations of Licensed Customs Brokers. Piggybacking and the associated due diligence obligations of licensed customs brokers have been the subject of ongoing industry discussion, including differing interpretations regarding the reasonable steps expected of brokers when acting for importers. ACN 2026/18 provides further guidance on the ABF's expectations, including the need for customs brokers to: - verify importer identity,
- assess the reliability of information and supporting documentation, and .
- undertake further enquiries where concerns or inconsistencies arise
Importantly, ABF makes clear that where concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved, an import declaration should not be lodged. The notice also provides guidance on documentary verification, appropriate use of Customs Client Identifiers (CCIDs), record keeping and the potential compliance and licensing consequences associated with facilitating piggybacking. FTA encourages licensed customs brokers and customs brokerage businesses to review the notice in full HERE and consider the guidance against their existing due diligence and client verification processes. Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker General Manager - Trade Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA
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