Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has lodged a submission with the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee as part of its inquiry into the proposed Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2026

The submission builds on FTA's previous member notices, feedback received from members, and discussions with the Australian Border Force (ABF) regarding the practical implications of the proposed reforms.

Key themes raised in the submission include:

• Recognition of the importance of measures aimed at disrupting illicit tobacco supply chains and organised criminal activity.

• The need for greater clarity regarding the proposed requirement for customs brokers, depot licence holders and warehouse licence holders to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent unlawful conduct.

• Publication of practical ABF guidance before commencement of the new licence conditions, supported by industry education and consultation.

• Exploration of technology-enabled solutions that strengthen supply chain integrity, including importer authentication, authorised customs broker verification and importer-linked duty payment mechanisms.

• Support for transparent and proportionate licensing committee arrangements that deliver procedural fairness without creating unnecessary delays for industry.

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

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