The Australian Government has announced changes to the immigration and border protection portfolio in relation to future border protection arrangements.

From 1 July 2015, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) will be consolidated into a single Department of Immigration and Border Protection called Australian Border Force (ABF).

Read on to learn about the new Australian Border Force department coming into effect today.

New Australian Border Force department

A single frontline operational border agency called the Australian Border Force (ABF) has been established within the DIBP effective from 1 July 2015.

The Australian Border Force brings the operational border, investigations, compliance, detention and enforcement functions from the two existing agencies together. The new ABF has a mandate to carry out enforcement of customs, immigration and offshore maritime laws as part of the new department and policy, regulatory and corporate functions will also be incorporated into the new department.

Updates to Australian Government Customs contact information

The DIBP website has now migrated to www.border.gov.au and email addresses have been updated to ‘@border.gov.au’. The customer contact line 1800 061 800 number is still the direct line to report any suspicious behaviour and will remain unchanged. Customs Watch is also expected to undergo a new name and branch change next month where all contact details, resources and support programmes will remain unchanged.

How BCR customs clearance brokerage assists customers importing goods

As a leading international customs clearance broker, the BCR team provides accurate customs-related advice to ensure your declarations are in compliance with the ABF department. In addition, BCR offers customers with extensive customs consulting services that provide expert advice on tariffs, duties and Free Trade Agreements including ChAFTA.

BCR will continue to keep customers updated on the new ABF department and also continue to assist Customs Watch as an industry partner in the Customs Watch Programme. For more information about how BCR Customs Consultancy can assist with Customs Clearance and Tariff Concession Applications and Advice for your goods please contact us or call us on 1300 663 227.