There have long been allegations that importers and their service providers here and overseas have been engaged (knowingly or innocently) in “circumventing” existing measures otherwise payable on imported goods. For some time, importers and their service providers have faced action by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) and Australian Border Force (ABF) in relation to…

The idea of facilitating secure and compliant trade underpins many international agreements such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and WCO Safe Framework of Standards (SAFE) and is reflected in many “Authorised Economic Operator” programmes such as our own Australian Trusted Trader Programme (ATTP). Government and its agencies also provide further assistance to those…

Australia passes espionage, foreign interference, foreign influence and critical infrastructure security laws. The concept of attempting to influence elected representatives, Governments and their agencies has been taking place forever – well at least as long as we have had these types of institutions. Seeking to influence the agenda The nature of the influence has changed…

Amidst the chaos created by “disTrumption”[1] globalization rolls on and international business pursues TESCM, or tax efficient supply chain management. What does this mean for trade and customs? TESCM arises from the OECD BEPS (base erosion and profit shifting)[2] initiative and will continue to drive multinational tax planning. The OECD effort is creating a restructuring…

Licensed premises authorised to hold goods ‘under customs control’ face a number of noteworthy challenges: the licensing regime is rigorous, setting high standards on applicants to operate premises and those employed in the premises and business; the ongoing compliance obligations are time-consuming and difficult, including, reporting of the movements of people and goods at the…

How to prepare to comply From 1 July 2018 food businesses must comply with labelling requirements set out by the Australian Government which aim to provide consumers with greater transparency on the origin of their food. First introduced on 1 July 2016 as the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016 (Standard) the implementation of the Standard…