December 2014

 

Problem with Transport and Insurance GST Calculations 10 September 2014 - 10 October 2014

 

The Integrated Cargo System (ICS) release deployed on Wednesday 10September 2014 to introduce electronic Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) declarations resulted in the ICS incorrectly calculating Goods and Services Tax (GST) amounts on some import declarations.Declarations lodged in the ICS between Wednesday 10 September 2014 and Friday 10 October 2014 (31 days) were potentially affected by the error.

 

The affected import declarations are those where a specific transport and insurance (T&I) amount was entered by the importer/broker and the entered amount differs from the ICS derived T&I amount.The error caused the GST to be calculated on the derived T&I and not the specific amount input on the declaration. Consequently, some declarations resulted in an over calculation of GST and others resulted in an under calculation.

 

No action will be taken to correct amounts on declarations from GST registered importers as any change in the amount of tax payable will be offset by an equivalent change in the GST credit.

 

Importers not registered for GST will be refunded overpaid amounts or requested to pay the shortfall where the error resulted in an underpayment.

 

In order to initiate the process to establish whether there has been an underpayment or a refund is applicable an amendment must be made to an affected import declaration (on any date after Friday 10 October 2014). This amendment will result in a re-calculation of GST based on the specific T&I amount input on the declaration. Any adjustments will result in a refund or additional liability being calculated and in the case of deferred GST clients, this will flow through to the Business Activity Statement.

 

For further information contact Cargo Support on 1300 558 099 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

National Client Service Counters – Christmas/New Year 2014

 

Client Service counters in all regions will be closed on the following dates over the Christmas - New Year period:

 

• Thursday 25th December: Christmas Day
• Friday 26th December: Boxing Day
• Monday 29th December: APS Public Holiday
• Thursday 1st January 2015: New Year’s Day

 

Client Service counters where Client Services and the Department of Agriculture are co-located (NSW, VIC, QLD and TAS) will provide staff from both agencies on all days that the counters are open during this period.

 

October 2014

 

Last chance to have your say on border fees and charges

 

Traders and travellers can still have their say on Australia’s border fees and charges before the public consultation phase closes this week.

 

Members of the public have until 31 October 2014 to make a submission to the Joint Fees Review.

 

To make a submission or for more information visit the Joint Review of Border Fees, Charges and Taxes webpage.

 

Information sessions on the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA)

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) is hosting information sessions (CPD Accredited for licensed customs brokers - three points) on how to access preferential tariff treatment under KAFTA (including how to identify the relevant tariff commitment and rules of origin for the goods imported). Session locations and November 2014 dates are: 17th Perth, 18th Melbourne, 19th Sydney, 20th Brisbane.
To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, contact details and session preference.

 

September 2014

 

ACCA 2014/03 - Information for Import/Export Data Reports

 

An ACCA detailing the Import and Export reports that can be sourced from the ACBPS and how to request these reports is now available at the following link:

 

ACCA 2014-03 - ImpExp reports

 

Joint Review of Border Fees, Charges and Taxes - 17 September 2014

 

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Scott Morrison today announced a review into Australia’s charges, fees and taxes at the border.

 

The review will focus on identifying where the border charging arrangements can be improved to better support future border operations and outcomes for industry.

 

For more information on the review and to make a submission visit the Customs and Border Protection website.

 

Total Power Outage - Sydney Customs House - 13 September 2014

 

There will be a total power outage at Sydney Customs House on Saturday 13 September 2014 between 06:00 and 16:00. The Customs Information and Support Centre will implement contingency arrangements during this period. There is not expected to be an impact on the ICS, email and telephome services during this period.

 

August 2014

 

 

 

Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) adjustments on tobacco and tobacco products - 1 September 2014

 

Rates of duty for tobacco and tobacco products will increase from 1 September 2014, in line with movements in the average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE) and an additional factor of 12.5%. Further information will be available from Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2014/40. These changes will be reflected in the tariff working pages.

The new rates of duty are available from here.

 

July 2014

 

CPI adjustments on spirits and beer - operative on 1 August 2014

 

Rates of duty for certain spirits and beer will increase from 1 August 2014, in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The new rates of duty are available from here.

 

Further information is available from Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2014/34. These changes will be reflected in the tariff working pages.

 

 

 

Best Practice Guide for High Volume Reporters in the ICS and the introduction of a new diagnostic “Cargo Systems Status Service”

 

A guide to improving industry client interaction with the ICS is now available. This practice guide is targeted at high volume users and provides suggestions to assist clients in achieving the best response times from our system. Use of this guide will assist users to identify when the ICS is least busy and to maximise system response times. Further information can be found here.

 

Also attached is a document explaining the new ICS system diagnostics which are referred to as the ‘Cargo System Status Service’ (CSSS). The CSSS is provided to enable external clients to have a view of the current load on the ICS. This will allow external clients to better schedule the lodgement of their EDI messages. The application is also useful for detecting when load related delays in receiving replies to messages submitted are occurring. Use of this diagnostic also removes the uncertainty whether the ICS has an outage or whether there is a slowdown. This document which provides further explanation of the new diagnostics can be accessed here.

 

The web page can be accessed here.

 

 

 

Luxury Car Tax threshold changes

 

There will be an increase in the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold limit for the 2014-15 financial year.

The Australian Taxation Office has determined that from 1 July 2014 the following are effective:
- LCT Threshold $61,884 (increased from $60,316)
- Fuel efficient vehicle limit $75,375 (unchanged)

The new rates will be reflected in the ICS from Tuesday 1 July 2014.

 

For further information please click here.

 

June 2014

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) Release 14.4.02

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) release 14.4.02 is scheduled to be available in the Production environment on 9 July 2014.

 

The following documentation that relates to the release can be viewed here.

 

For further information please click here.

 

Compliance Update

 

The latest Compliance Update can be viewed here

 

 

 

Trusted Trader Programme

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service is developing a Trusted Trader Programme and is working with industry throughout the design phase.

 

The Programme will have a differentiated, trust based regulatory framework based on partnerships and shared responsibility.

 

Benefits for industry

 

The Trusted Trader Programme seeks to provide trade facilitation benefits to those economic operators with strong security practices and a history of compliant behaviour.

 

For further information please click here.

 

 

 

May 2014

 

ICS Outage Report - 28 May 2014

 

Further details on the ICS outages for Wednesday 28 May 2014 can be found here.

 

ICS Outage Report - 24 May and 25 May 2014

 

Further details on the ICS outages for Saturday 24 May and Sunday 25 May 2014 can be found here.

 

March 2014

 

World Customs Organization (WCO) IT Conference & Exhibition

 

The Australain Customs and Border Protection Service would like to invite you to the WCO IT Conference in Brisbane on 5-7 May 2014.

 

More details are available at 2014 WCO IT Conference & Exhibition. All inquiries should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

New Version of Software Developers Guide (SDG) - Changes to Export Messaging

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) would like to inform industry of upcoming changes/enhancements to the ICS which will necessitate affected software developers amending an existing message (ESM) and building capability to receive a new unsolicited export message (EXREL). These enhancements will facilitate cargo consolidators that have a licensed s77G Depot establishment being advised of cargo within a consolidation that is to be HELD for Customs.

 

These enhancements are expected to be available for testing in the Industry Test environment from 26 March 2014 through till 10 April 2014. The release that contains these changes is expected to be deployed to the Production (live) environment during an outage scheduled for 22/23 April 2014.

 

To allow software developers and businesses wishing to implement these changes to begin necessary design and build, we have updated the SDG which contains the new and amended message specifications.

 

Summarising the changes contained within the updated SDG:

 

• A new LOC segment has been added to the ESM (Export Sub Manifest) message specification to allow reporting of the place of consolidation (Depot establishment ID) at ESM Header level
• provision within the RFF segment of the ESM message specification has been added to allow Housebills to be reported at line level
• a new EXREL message specification has been added which is an unsolicited message sent by the ICS to inform 77G premises of held cargo within a consignment.

 

Note: these new fields are Optional fields and are only of use/value to licensed s77G Depot operators that consolidate Air or Sea Export cargo.

 

A more detailed explanation of these changes will be available in the release notes which will be published prior to deployment of the changes into the industry test environment. To request a copy of the new version of the SDG or make any inquiries on these changes please make request through the ICS Business Support mailbox on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

January 2014

 

Commencement of the new Infringement Notice Scheme

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) advises Industry that the new infringement notice scheme will come into effect for offences committed on 1 February 2014. The ACBPS has published an updated Infringement Notice Scheme (INS) guide on the ACBPS website.

 

To view the notice access the following:

 

ACBPN 2014/07

 

December 2013

 

Verification of import transactions using commercial documents

 

This fact sheet explains the requirements of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service which may request commercial documents to verify a broad range of regulatory requirements for the importation and exportation of goods across the Australian border.

 

To view the fact sheet, click here.

 

Cargo Destined for Australia - providing the right information

 

This fact sheet explains the requirements of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to ensure accurate, complete and timely reporting of cargo which is critical for risk assessment and clearance of goods imported into Australia.

 

To view the fact sheet, click here.

 

Import Processing Charges Amendment Bill 2013

 

The Import Processing Charges Amendment Bill 2013 has now passed both Houses of Parliament. The Bill amends the Import Processing Charges Act 2011 to increase the import processing charges for air, sea and post consignments with a value of $10,000 or more.

 

To view the notice access the following:

 

ACBPN201366

 

Compliance Update

 

The latest Compliance Update can be viewed here.

 

Ozone Protection & Synthetic Greenhouse Gases - what Customs brokers need to know

 

The CBFCA is hosting a one hour webinar on Thursday 12 December 2013 at 1300 hours (SYD) from the Department of Environment designed to provide a broker-focussed explanation of the processes for clearing imports of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.

 

Any questions on this webinar should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2013/63

 

The Import Processing Charges Amendment Bill 2013 was recently introduced into Parliament. The ACBPN no. 2013/63 advises of the likely changes.

 

To view the notice access the following:

 

ACBPN201363

 

November 2013

 

NEW LEGISLATIVE MEASURES COMMENCE - STRENGTHENING SUPPLY CHAIN

 

The ACBPN No. 2013/62 below advises Industry of New legislative measures that are commencing to strengthen the supply chain against criminal infilitration.

 

To view the notice access the following.

 

ACBPN201362

 

 

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2013/56

 

The ACBPN below advises Customs Depot and Warehouse Licence Holders of the changes to licence conditions as a result of the amendments to the Customs Act which commence on 28 November.

 

To view the notice access the following:

 

ACBPN201356

 

ICS Release Notes 14.4.01

 

ICS Release 14.4.01 will be promoted on Sunday morning 24 November 2013. External Release Notes are available at the following link:

 

http://www.cargosupport.gov.au/site/documents/ExternalReleaseNotes14401V1.pdf

 

 

 

October 2013

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2013/55

 

ACBPS notice 2013/55 advises Customs Brokers of the changes to licence conditions as a result of the amendments to the Customs Act which commence on 28 November.

Customs Amendment (Infringement Notices) Regulation 2013.

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) is releasing an exposure draft of the Customs Amendment (Infringement Notices) Regulation 2013 and associated draft Infringement Notice Scheme Guide for industry comment. The proposed regulation and guide on the ACBPS can be found here under the legislation consultation link.

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2013/50

 

Relating to an exposure draft of the Customs Amendment (Record Keeping Requirments) Regulation 2013 for industry comment, is available here.

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) Release 13.4.02

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) release 13.4.02 is schedule to be available in the Production environment on 6 October 2013.

 

The following documentation that relates to the release can be viewed at the following here.

 

September 2013

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2013/46 - Supply of commercial documents and evidence of monies price paid to verify particulars on import and export declarations.

 

To view the notice, click here.

 

ACCA 2013/06 - Register your interest in attending joint ACBPS and DAFF Information Sessions

 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are hosting joint information sessions for industry across Australia during September through to November 2013. The free sessions will be presented by representatives from the ACBPS Compliance Assurance Branch and DAFF’s Industry Arrangements and Performance, and Cargo and Shipping Branches.

 

To view the advice, click here.

 

View the 2013 ACBPS Industry Engagement Presentation. Please contact Industry Engagement if you encounter any problems accessing the information in this presentation.

 

August 2013

 

Cargo Reporting and Clearance Requirements 2013 Presentation

 

This presentation was delivered in the week of 19 August 2013 around Australia, hosted by the CBFCA. It supports the Cargo Reporting and Clearance Requirements Fact Sheet.

 

To view the presentation, click here.

 

CBFCA Assembly Order Seminars

 

The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australian Inc. (CBFCA) are coordinating a series of face-to-face foums on the assembly orders issues in all capital cities. The two-hour seminars will be presented by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and are designed to provide an interactive forum for industry to engage on the recently released Fact Sheet on cargo reporting and clearance requirements. The details of the sessions can be found here.

 

Cargo Reporting and Clearance Requirements

 

This fact sheet explains the requirements of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for the reporting and clearance of cargo. It outlines how those requirements apply to a number of common business models.

 

To view the factsheet, click here.

 

June 2013

 

Disclosing Information held by Customs

 

Australian Customs and Border Protection Service have updated the industry guidelines -Disclosing information held by Customs to incorporate aspects of feedback provided since the guidelines were first published on May 29 2013.

 

The updated guidelines are available here

 

Essential Information for Import Reports

 

Currently, the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) reporting functionality provides a number of reports, including the GST Deferral Report and Broker/Importer Summary Report. The GST Deferral Report contains a breakdown of the GST Deferred amount required for the Australian Taxation Office Business Activity Statement. The Broker/Importer Summary Report provides a summary of activities of a customs broker/importer.

 

From 1 August 2013, all report information will only be available on a self-serve basis through the ICS. Email requests for these reports will no longer be processed by the ACBPS.

 

Further information is available here

 

Compliance Update

 

To view the latest Compliance Update click here

 

1 July Changes

 

1 July 2013 changes to the gaseous fuels arrangements, the carbon component rate on aviation fuel, the treatment code for cheese and curd, and the Schedule 4 item 17 by-law. For more details see ACBPN 2013/26.

 

May 2013

 

New Customs laws to strengthen the supply chain against criminal infiltration receive Royal Assent

 

The Customs and AusCheck Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Other Measures) Act 2013 received Royal Assent on 28 May 2013. This Act makes a range of amendments to the Customs Act to strengthen the cargo supply chain against criminal infiltration. Further information is available here.

 

DAFF Imported Food Notice IFN 02-13

 

The DAFF Imported Food Program have published Imported Food Notice IFN 02-13 which relates to the new requirement that necessitates all FIDS containing imported foods must declare the producer of that food. This requirement will be brought in through a three phased approach. The notice which is titled ‘Producer must be declared for all imported foods’ is complemented by a new webpage on the DAFF website called ‘Lodging Import Declarations and Documentation’ which provides further detail on lodging FIDs and commercial documents. Links to these documents are:

 

Producer must be declared for all imported foods see the DAFF website for further details (select 02/13 from General Notices)

 

Lodging Import Declarations and Documentation can be found here

 

ACCA 2013/04 - Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) and use with the ICS

 

This Advice provides direction on the use of Internet Explorer 10 with the ICS.

 

To view the advice click here.

 

ACCA 2013/03 - ICS Business Continuity Planning – Document Lifespan

 

This Advice provides directions on the lifespan of a Business Continuity Document provided during a BCP scenario:

To view the advice click here.

 

April 2013

 

Customs Legislation changes commenced 31 March 2013

 

The Customs Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Act 2013 received Royal Assent on
30 March 2013. All measures in Parts 2 to 9 of the Act have now commenced with the exception of the new ‘restricted goods’ offence in Part 1 of the Act which commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.

 

Further details are available in ACN 2013/17.

 

March 2013

 

New Customs laws to strengthen the supply chain against criminal infiltration

 

On Wednesday 20^th March 2013, the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon Jason Clare MP, introduced the Customs and AusCheck Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Other Measures) Bill 2013 into Parliament.

 

The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) and the AusCheck Act 2007 to mitigate vulnerabilities at Australia’s borders. The Bill forms the latest part of a package of measures to deter and prevent infiltration by serious and organised crime into Australia’s seaports, airports and cargo supply chain.

 

You can find further information and links to the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum on the Customs and Border Protection website here.

 

The Customs Amendment (Enhancing Customs Control) Bill 2013

 

The Customs Amendment (Enhancing Customs Control) Bill 2013 is available for public comment. The proposed amendments makes it clear that ships and aircraft in Australia to undertake maintenance, repairs or refurbishment are taken to be imported and therefore subject to section 68 of the Customs Act. The proposed amendments also make it clear that while ships and aircraft are subject to a notice under s.49A, they are subject to Customs control. Interested parties are invited to make submissions by Thursday 7 March 2013.

 

View more information and the exposure draft here.

 

ACCA 2012/19 ICS messaging issues related to refund holds

 

This Australian Customs Cargo Advice (ACCA) refers to the ICS currently experiencing issues in the refunds environment related to outbound messages for import declaration amendments resulting in a refund hold.

 

For more information click here.

 

February 2013

 

1 March Schedule 4 By-law Changes

 

New Schedule 4 By-law working pages are available here.

More information is available here.

 

New Schedule 4 to take effect on 1 March 2013

 

ACBP Notice 2013/07 relating to Implementation of the Customs Tariff Amendment (Schedule 4) Act 2012 - Arrangement for Customs By-laws and Other Instruments is available on the Customs website.

For details refer to ACN 2013/07.

 

January 2013

 

CCF Weekly Updates

 

The Cargo Support website now has a page to provide a weekly update of what is occurring around CCF improvements and issues. This page will be updated on Tuesdays each week and contains technical content.

For details click here.

 

CPI adjustments - Operative on and from 1 February 2013

 

Rates of duty for certain spirits, beer and tobacco products will increase from 1 February 2013.

The new rates of duty are available here.

Further information will be available from Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice (ACN 2013/3).

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) Release 12.4.02

 

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) release 12.4.02 is scheduled to be available in the Production environment on 3 February 2013. The INDUSTRY TEST release will occur tonight 22 January 2013. Testing of new functionality introduced in 12.4.02 can begin in the IND TEST environment from tomorrow.

 

The following documentation that relates to the release can be viewed at the following links:

 

Release Notes 12.4.02

 

ACCA 2013/02

 

ACCA 2013/01 Changes to Customs Information & Support Centre (CI&SC) hours of operation

 

This Australian Customs Cargo Advice (ACCA) refers to the upcoming changes to the hours of operation of the CI&SC. These changes will take effect from Sunday 10 February 2013

 

For more information click here.

 

All securities and carnets business transactions now administered by the National Temporary Imports & Securities (NTIS) section

 

As part of its business improvement activities, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs and Border Protection) has progressively centralised its administration of securities and carnets to the NTIS section in Brisbane.

 

See ACCA 2012/20.