ABF - Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2026 - Bill receives Royal Assent - ABF confirms next steps for implementation

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) wish to advise that the Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 26 October 2026, giving effect to a range of reforms including new statutory licensing conditions and the establishment of the National Customs Licensing Advisory Committee (NCLAC). Following communications with the Australian Border Force (ABF), FTA / APSA has been advised that implementation planning is now underway, with supporting guidance material currently being developed to assist industry in understanding and meeting the new obligations. The ABF has confirmed that the Schedule 5 reforms will commence by Proclamation, or automatically within 12 months if not proclaimed earlier, and has indicated that draft guidance material will be progressed through established ABF-industry consultation forums prior to publication. FTA / APSA understands that this approach is intended to provide industry participants with sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before they take effect. FTA / APSA will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates should additional information become available.

Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA Copyright © 2026 Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) Pty Ltd, All rights reserved.