News

Public Consultation on Biosecurity

While globalisation has opened doors to growth and opportunity for Australia, it has also brought more exotic pests and diseases to our doorstep. Australia’s biosecurity system is facing increasing pressure to maintain the level of protection needed. You can provide your views on what practical changes could be made to develop a sustainable funding model. […]

New Obligations on Customs Warehouses

Customs Warehouses are places licensed by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and used by importers for longer term storage of goods that have not yet been cleared for home consumption, which allows for deferring the payment of import duty and taxes. These depots warehouses are licensed the ABF under section 79 of the Customs Act 1901. The […]

Future of Shipping Ports and the Environment

The Port of Brisbane has once again achieved a 5-star GRESB global sustainability assessment rating, while over in the UK a group of international ports is collaborating in the launch of a Maritime Data Cluster aimed at accelerating the green smart port revolution. Early last year we wrote on ‘Cleaning up Global Cargo Shipping’ and […]

China’s Zero Covid Policy Causes Fresh Port Disruption

Last week we issued an Urgent Notice advising that the Beilun port district of Ningbo was now under lockdown until further notice. Today we can report that new lockdowns in China are causing fresh disruption days after Chinese premier Xi Jinping doubled down on Beijing’s zero tolerance Covid-19 policies. One of the hardest hit areas […]

Australian Export Awards 60th Year

Finalists for the 60th Australian Export Awards unveiled. The Australian Export Awards will this year celebrate its Diamond anniversary of showcasing the achievements of Australia’s leading exporters. Since the inaugural awards were held in 1963, the annual program has recognised 1,990 Australian businesses for their achievements, with 744 businesses winning category awards. A further 14 […]

Massive Beluga Carries Oversized Freight

Airbus Transport International (ATI) has started phasing out the Beluga ST (Super Transporter) with six new-generation Beluga XL aircraft that will take over its duties. The XL has 30% more cargo capacity than the fleet of five old ST model, which is progressively being made available for outsized freight transport services internationally and has already […]

Importers Waiting for Quarantine Inspections

Last month we reported that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) was establishing a rapid response team to tackle delays in assessment, booking and inspection services. Today the ABC says that importers are waiting weeks for fresh produce to be cleared by Australian government officials. (Their full report will go to air this […]

Customs Extends Penalties on Russian Imports

The Australian Government hit Russia and Belarus with raised import tariffs in April, and now it has extended the additional duty on goods that are the produce or manufacture of those countries for twelve months. These goods will continue to have a rate of customs duty of 35% or greater and will only be eligible […]

Covid Outbreak Update – China

Dear Valued Clients,   We understand that another COVID outbreak has been announced in Ningbo City, Beilun District. With the growing number of confirmed cases & close contacts in this area, Beilun district is now under lockdown until further notice.   Please see the following restrictions which will directly affect the supply chain:   The […]

Exporters Benefit from New Online Tool

A digital platform to streamline processes and regulations for agricultural exporters has won a 2022 Australian Good Design Award. Recognised by the World Design Organization (WDO) as Australia’s peak international design endorsement program, the Australian Good Design Awards has been promoting excellence in design and innovation since 1958. Acting Deputy Secretary of DAFF (the Department […]