News

Important changes to Australia's Biosecurity system come into effect this month, which are all about how the risks of goods, people and conveyances entering Australia are managed.

Stevedores Patrick and DP World have confirmed that they will be enforcing the new VGM (Verified Gross Mass) rules on documentation starting on 22nd June 16.

A Fairfax Media investigation has uncovered multiple cases of alleged corruption involving staff from the Australian Border Force, along with maritime industry employees.

A new alliance of some of the biggest Asian and European shipping lines will be unveiled in the U.S. today, the third such recent partnership reshaping the maritime industry.

Last week’s Federal Budget held some important issues for importers, most significantly with more funding for the Australian Trusted Trader Program.

The Department of Immigration and Border protection (DIBP) has issued a new notice on the definition of ‘Owner’ and who is liable for the payment of duty on imported goods.

Following work interruptions at Fremantle and Sydney, the proposed two-day stoppages at Patrick’s port operations in Melbourne and Brisbane have gone ahead this week, with the stevedore deciding to bypass the union.

The Trusted Trader Industry Action Group meeting of 13 April 2016 saw some varied positions by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) on the Australian Trusted Trader (TT) concept.

"Flawed though it may be, the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) is advantageous to both Australia and New Zealand not only in terms of national economics but also for their freight sectors."

On 1 April 2016, duty rate changes will occur to certain Customs tariff headings, subject to a staged duty rate reduction in the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.