DCN0718_Combined_150

THE BROKER’S VIEW
Talking trade with
the CBFCA
Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia chief executive
Paul Damkjaer outlines some key talking points
THE CBFCA HAS CONDUCTED
demonstrations of its new electronic
tariff, with great reviews from members.
It is a competitive product for members’
classification needs, whether they
be imports or exports. It is an everevolving
software product to be updated
as we receive member requests. With
it currently in test mode, where it is
available to all members for free, it is to
be officially launched on 1 July 2018.
REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT
While the Department of Home
Affairs and the Australian Border Force
regularly talk of industry engagement,
this only seems to be happening at a
senior management level. Involvement
at this level is welcomed by the CBFCA.
However, it is at the operational day-today
level where improvement is required.
Industry stakeholders trying to resolve
issues in relation to current shipments,
refunds and valuation regularly find
themselves referred from department
to department, receiving email auto
responses. These stakeholders should
have a direct link to the ABF to be able
to find an officer able to resolve the
issue at hand. Border and community
protection is a shared responsibility
and the ABF needs to consider improving
its interface and industry’s access to
skilled officers.
While the CBFCA has obtained a
high-level organisation chart, it is short
of the contacts needed for industry to
run successful businesses. The CBFCA
will continue to seek an operational-level
contact list for members.
GST ON LOW-VALUE THRESHOLD
GOODS
While industry has seen various
communications from the ABF and the
Australian Tax Office, it is fair to say
there are still many within industry who
are confused. At the recent round of
regional CBFCA conventions, the ATO
gave presentations that went some way
towards easing members’ concerns. It
was made quite clear the ATO’s follow-up
actions would be towards the overseas
entity, however the ABF presentation still
leaves members concerned of potential
penalty action down the track.
The ABF provided screen shots of
FIDs and SACs, and advised that should
industry not have the necessary evidence
of GST having been paid at the point
of sale or a VIN, they should process
the clearance in the normal way. It is
then up to the ATO to follow-up noncollection
at the point of sale overseas.
The CBFCA will continue to represent
members concerns to both the ATO and
ABF and work to ensure the protection of
members in this area.
BMSB POST-SEASON REVIEW
DAWR is undertaking a review of the
brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)
risk season and currently working
with industry to identify performance
improvements for season 2018-19.
The emergency measures applied to
the 2017/2018 BMSB season challenged
the Department and industry with
the facilitation of trade at the border
resulting in extended delays in cargo
clearance and additional costs.
For next season’s measures, the
Department is expected to use the
experiences and data from the recent
season to prepare a BMSB management
strategy for next season.
The CBFCA will continue to consult
with the department on any proposed
measures prior to the commencement of
the next BMSB risk season.
THE OMBUDSMAN
The Commonwealth Ombudsman
has released a report into processing
delays for inbound containerised sea
cargo. In May 2017 the Ombudsman’s
Above: Paul Damkjaer,
chief executive, CBFCA
office started an investigation into the
administration of powers under the
Customs Act 1901 by the then ABF.
The CBFCA had raised concerns about
unnecessary delays stemming from the
ABF’s administration of its customsrelated
powers.
Since July 2012, the office has received
356 approaches related to the border
control area of the ABF.
The report lists recommendations
which address many of the concerns
CBFCA and industry have raised in
regards staffing levels, processing times,
infrastructure, the ability for clear
communication and a clearly detailed
compensation process.
The CBFCA is pleased with the
reception by the Ombudsman and
looks forward to working closely with
the ABF to assist in putting in place its
recommendations.
The Ombudsman will engage in
further discussions with the CBFCA on
the progress of these recommendations
and will also seek a combined meeting
with other key stakeholders.
Ian Ackerman
22
First published in 1891
July 2018
thedcn.com.au