The Customs broker cannot answer ‘no’ to this question without sufficient documentation.
It is the responsibility of importers to ensure they do not import or export prohibited goods such as asbestos. Should the Australian Border Force (ABF) suspect goods arriving at the border contain asbestos, the goods will be held and examined.
Before goods are imported to Australia, importers must have adequate assurance that the goods being imported do not contain asbestos. This can be achieved by engaging with their overseas suppliers early and confirming that asbestos was not used in the supply chain. Importers must not assume that goods contain nil asbestos content.
The ABF expects importers to undertake adequate assurance measures to demonstrate that the goods they are importing that are known to be at risk of containing asbestos, or goods supplied from countries with asbestos producing industries, do not contain asbestos.
Solely relying on a declaration that states the goods have nil asbestos content from an importer and/or supplier may not provide adequate assurance. In the event that a customs broker receives a declaration from an importer that the goods have nil asbestos content, before relying on that declaration, the customs broker should ensure they have an understanding of what assurances/supporting documentation the importer obtained to support the making of the declaration.
Please take a moment to read the attached factsheet and if you have any queries, feel free to contact your CEO representative for further information.
At the end of September, Shipping Lines will most likely uplift the peak season surcharge that became applicable in July.
All major Shipping Lines will also apply a General Rate Increase (G.R.I.) applicable from 01.10.2016 as per official notices showing in the attachment.
The rate restoration program aims at proposing a more sustainable level of freight rates for ship owners who are struggling to keep regular quality services ex North of Europe and Mediterranean sea. This program will also affect relay services for cargo moving in transshipment via Far East, as well as all direct services.
As you will notice, each Shipping Line is expressing individually the level of increase they are going to apply and relay carriers such as Maersk, Yang Ming and UASC are likely to follow on the same path with similar values.
At present our negotiation with major Shipping Lines is in progress. We are trying to mitigate the impact of this increase on our current quotes as well as possibly obtain a standardized increase to conform the GRI applicable among all direct carriers and among all transshipment carriers.
North East Asia GRI of US$500/20′ and US$1000/40′ for LCL US$10.00 per W/M from the 15th of October 2016, for both dry and refrigerated cargoes from North East Asia (including China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan) to all ports and points in Australia.
This increase will be applied in full on top of existing ongoing market and spot rates to all import shipments with the Cargo Gate-in/Receive Date on or after the 15th of October 2016, and will be subject to ancillary surcharges applicable at the time of shipment.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your customer service representative.
The regular review of bunker costs has been completed and there are changes to the Bunker Surcharge applied based on shipment laden on-board date, which are reflected in the table below.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your customer broker at CEO.
Starting from today the Australian government have introduced a Trusted Trader programme, this is similar to the USA programme based on known shippers, there are many advantages on being part of this programme as listed below.
The business gets a Logo.
Duty deferral (not yet in place) for ATT clients only.
The first process for clients is to complete an expression of interest (EOI) which takes about 5 minutes, please follow the below link for further information on the programme.
The Shipping Lines operating in the North East Asia ( Japan, Korea, China including Hong Kong and Taiwan) to Australia Trade have announced plans to implement a General Rate Increase to the market effective 1st August 2016. The Increase amount has been advertised as USD 300 Per 20′ and USD 600 Per 40′ .
The Shipping Lines operating Europe to Australia Trade have announced plans to implement a Peak Season Surcharge to the market effective 12th July 2016.
The Increase amount has been advertised as USD 150 Per 20′ and USD 300 Per 40′ .
Please note there have been some significant changes to the importation of goods to Australia, attached you will find new information regarding the new laws coming into effect 16/6/16.
All conditionally non-prohibited goods entering Australia must meet specified import conditions and requirements as detailed in the department’s online Biosecurity Import Conditions system BICON. This may include the requirement for an import permit.
With the commencement of the new Biosecurity Act 2015 on 16 June 2016, importers are reminded of the need for an import permit prior to the arrival of goods in Australia. If you intend to import goods into Australia you must comply with the new legislation. Importers who land goods without a permit will be required to provide information to the department to enable a biosecurity risk assessment to be undertaken. Where possible, the department will manage the biosecurity risk by reviewing documentation such as competent authority certification (e.g. phytosanitary certificates or veterinary certificates), manufacturer’s statements, by treating the goods or other risk mitigation measures.
These requirements will align with the usual import conditions that apply to that particular class of goods.
Please find attached a reminder that the importation of Asbestos or items containing Asbestos is prohibited.
Please ensure that you check with the shipper to ensure that items that you are importing are Asbestos free, items as such as brake pads may be subject to inspections and testing.