BCR is a 3PL provider and freight forwarding company that manages sea freight and air freight shipments in and out of Australia and the rest of the world on behalf of business customers. Part of our focus is to keep the market and our customers up to date on issues that may impact their air freight, sea freight and the speedy customs clearance of their shipments to and from Australia. We are noticing many more sea freight and air freight shipments are being held at the time of customs clearance as the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) conduct their risk assessment regarding the presence of asbestos. If required, DIBP may direct imported goods for asbestos testing in Australia, at the importer’s expense. This will likely result in lengthy and expensive delays and if asbestos is detected, the goods will be forfeited to the crown. Re-exportation is not an option.

Read on to learn more on the increased focus on imports that might contain asbestos and how you can be prepared.

In August, we published a blog regarding the announcement of the Australian Trusted Trader programme (ATT), how it will be rolled out, who can participate and the benefits of becoming an accredited ATT. As industry experts and licensed Customs Brokers at BCR, we shared information on the voluntary accreditation programme offered by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and explained how it aims to streamline and facilitate trade, while enhancing supply chain security in Australia.

Globally, there are 73 countries participating in similar Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes across Asia-Pacific, United States, Europe and the Middle East regions with over 40,000 participants currently accredited. One benefit of Australia developing the ATT now is learning from established supply chain programmes from around the world. More recently, the DIBP held an Australian Trusted Trader - Industry Advisory Group (ATT IAG) meeting to share a number of critical updates and the proposed next steps on the programme. As a leading international freight forwarder, Customs Broker, contract logistics provider and member of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), we were invited to duly attend and discuss the updates.

Read on to learn updates on the ATT pilot programme and the next steps scheduled to commence in early 2016.

The newly created Australia Border Force (ABF) recently announced the launch of the Australian Trusted Trader programme (ATT). ATT is a free and voluntary partnership programme between an accredited business and the ABF. The programme aims to streamline and facilitate trade while enhancing supply chain security.

As a leading international freight forwarder, customs broker and contract logistics provider, we speak with hundreds of Australian businesses each year about their import, export and warehousing requirements. ATT is a significant step forward and it is important to be informed so that you can be prepared.

Read on to learn about the Australian Trusted Trader programme and how it will impact your import and export shipments.