News

The A–HKFTA started on 17 January 2020. It includes preferential rates of customs duty for certain classifications of goods and more opportunities for investment and trade.

The New Year’s deadline for low-sulphur fuel for vessels has come into effect, although some shipping lines are still awaiting bunker supplies as fuel prices push higher.

The Australia–China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement is a treaty-level program that helps our farming, fishing and forestry industries unlock new opportunities through the ChAFTA.

Importers of solar energy equipment in both Queensland and Victoria have been ordered to pay shortfalls in duty, in cases that involved dumping of low-priced overseas goods.

The Government will not proceed with the Biosecurity Imports Levy proposed in the 2018-19 Budget but instead develop an alternative biosecurity levy, in consultation with industry.

After two attempts to import cocaine in containers of fruit products to Queensland via PNG were thwarted, the court has been told drug traffickers see the Torres Strait as a ‘soft target.’

From 01 January 2020 it will be illegal to import any type of HCFC equipment, including refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers & aerosols, except in certain circumstances.

Federal Parliament has passed legislation enabling FTAs with Indonesia, Peru and Hong Kong, bringing Australian farmers a step closer to reaping benefits from the trade agreements.

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd has welcomed government funding, at both federal & state levels, to accelerate the planning required in directly connecting Inland Rail to the Port of Brisbane.

This week peak industry organisations, including the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council (CBFCA), have joined forces to fight crippling charges being imposed by stevedores.