The Australian Border Force (ABF) is expanding the Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Duty Deferral benefit to become Duty Deferral Plus. This new benefit will further reduce regulatory burden and improve cash flows for eligible ATTs. The stated aim of the ATT program is to reduce red tape at the border, improve certainty in export markets, and expedite the flow of their cargo in and out of Australia.
The ABF has issued Australian Customs Notice No. 2023/07: Expansion of Duty Deferral Benefit for Australian Trusted Traders.
The ATT Duty Deferral benefit allows eligible Trusted Trader importers to defer the payment of duties collected by the ABF until the 21st day of the following month. Duty Deferral Plus will see this benefit expanded to include additional taxes and charges which include Import Processing Charge, Wine Equalisation Tax, Luxury Car Tax, the Wood Levy and Agriculture Processing Charge.
Eligibility for Duty Deferral Plus
The Duty Deferral Plus benefit is only available to Trusted Trader importers who defer the payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Deferred Goods and Services Tax Scheme. Duty Deferral Plus is not applicable on importations of excise equivalent goods and deferral does not apply to excise equivalent customs duties.
Payment Schedule
Following the month of importation, Trusted Trader importers will receive an invoice containing the liabilities owed on the 16th day of the month. On the 21st day of the month (or the next banking day), the import liabilities will be drawn from the importer’s nominated bank account. For example, duty on all applicable goods imported in March will be debited from the importer’s account on 21 April.
Businesses Eligible to Join the ATT Program
- importers, exporters and service providers
- active in the international supply chain for 2 years
- financially solvent
- have an Australian Business Number
Joining Duty Deferral Plus
Trusted Traders who are already deferring duties will be contacted about arrangements to move to Duty Deferral Plus. Trusted Traders who are not yet deferring their import liabilities can speak directly to their Account Manager to express interest in signing up for the benefit.
For more information about Duty Deferral Plus, or if you are not yet an Australian Trusted Trader but interested in becoming one, please visit the ABF website. They have issued a booklet about ATT benefits in PDF format, which is available HERE.
As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, Colless Young offers you professional advice on all your international trade and shipping requirements. We provide a complete range of import and export logistics services, both air and sea cargo, including warehousing and trucking, at all major Australian ports and airports.
