News

The decision was announced by Air Asia X on Thursday 14 January and services will start on 22 March, using Airbus A333 aircraft. The airline’s entry on the route is likely to have an ongoing impact on both NZ/Gold Coast and NZ/Malaysia fares and cargo rates. Christchurch was hoping the airline would return there, as […]

The following information concerns any person or company conducting business with the Department of Defence. On 14 January 2016, software upgrades to the Defence Export Control System (DECS) will be implemented. This includes new versions of the application forms used by Defence which will be made available from Wednesday 13 January 2016, through the DECO […]

A number of importers and agents are querying the origin criteria being used for manufactured goods on Certificates of Origin (CoO’s). From anecdotal evidence, particularly as to Wholly Obtained Goods (WO), it would appear that the relevant regulatory or certificate issuing authorities in China may be misreading of the rules. Customs Brokers will need to […]

While several air cargo pundits are viewing 2016 under a general cloud of gloom, HSBC Bank is seeing a sunnier horizon for global trade, based on findings from its latest Global Connections Trade Forecast and Trade Confidence survey. China was a huge drag on world trade with its downturn in industrial production in the second […]

The following information has been provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection  (DIBP) and is forwarded for your attention. “To ensure the ongoing safety of Australian consumers and industry members, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is actively targeting imported building products at high risk of containing asbestos. The Department urges industry […]

The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on 20th December 2015, following an exchange of notes by Australia and China on 9th December, certifying that both parties have completed their domestic processes. This will ensure that the second scheduled round of cuts will be implemented only 11 days later, on January 1. The […]

In our news item of 15 Nov 2015, we reported that goods originating in China and shipped via Hong Kong may not qualify for Chinese origin under the new ChFTA. However the latest advice from the DIBP is that goods will be admissable under the agreement if they remain under customs control while passing through […]

NEW CUSTOMS FEES Australian Customs and Border Protection has made the following announcement: “Changes to Import Processing Charges from 1 January 2016. As part of the 2015 – 16 Commonwealth Budget, the Government has decided to restructure the Import Processing Charges (IPCs) in order to support a number of significant reforms.  The IPCs are cost […]

From 1st July 2016, strict rules will apply to the declaration of exact, verified shipping container weights, which can be declared in two ways: Method 1 – The loaded container can be weighed at an approved weighing station or using calibrated and certified weighing equipment. Method 2 – The weight of separate items in the […]

New fees will include a Full Import Declaration (FID) levy; a time based in-office service fee charged per 15 minute periods (which will increase when performed out-of-office); and overtime fees for services undertaken outside their standard office of 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday. The basic guidelines for these fees are: Full Import Declaration charge—AIR […]