Tuesday, 8 August, 2006

Dear {Firstname},

AFIF MEMBERS SUMMARY BULLETIN

:: ARTICLES

AIRFREIGHT

Airline Credits Due Forwarder

A number of forwarders have advised us that they are still receiving debits from airlines for undercharged amounts that in some cases go back more than a year! We would like to receive advice as soon as possible if you have examples of these, as there will be a meeting of the IATA Executive Council (which as you may recall now includes equitable voting rights for the forwarders on that committee) on August 22.

Qantas Melbourne Freight CTO Delays

Qantas Melbourne have issued a notice advising that due to elevated inbound volumes and terminal redevelopment, delays have been experienced recently.

Qantas has advised that in addition to an extension to the northern part of the warehouse they will be installing state of the art material handling systems. We look forward to the improvements in the near future.

Patrick Air Services Terminal Fee Increase 15th August

Please note that if you have not already received a notice from Patrick, they have revised their terminal service fees. Please contact your nearest Patrick office for a copy.

Brisbane Neutron Scanner Progress

Please click here to read Minutes of meetings between Industry and Customs regarding progress on the development of the Customs Neutron Scanner facility at Brisbane Airport
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Aug06_RampUpPlan-ICG.pdf

CUSTOMS - CMR

Compensation Claims - 'consequential losses'

As per AFIF bulletin dated 28th July, AFIF and the CBFCA commissioned a legal representative to work with Customs on an acceptable form of claim for consequential losses as a result of the implementation of the Import ICS on October 12 last year. Progress is being made and we are finalising details about how you can claim for these amounts. We reiterate that you will need to have accurate records of these types of losses, including staff overtime and supplementary staff records.

Bureau and Co-Load Cargo Reporters

As per AFIF bulletin dated July 31st, AFIF has provided guidance for those involved in reporting on behalf of the actual freight forwarder (wholesaler / co-loader master / bureau) in regard to indicating the 'responsible party' (the actual freight forwarder). However, because the information as supplied by the reporting party (bureau or cargo reporter) has not always been entered correctly it is causing compliance problems for some reporting parties. It is important that the ABN or CCID number of the actual freight forwarder is entered into the appropriate field on your software or customs interactive. Please click here to view the AFIF guide and detailed information: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/government/Jul06_CargoReporting.htm

Minutes of IAG Meeting No. 10

Please click here to view the outcome from the Industry Action Group (IAG) meeting with Customs, June 22nd http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/government/Aug06_IAGMinutes10.pdf

CUSTOMS - Other

Container Examination Facilities

We were very happy to spread the news that Customs managed to negotiate an arrangement with the Stevedores to permit further free storage periods where containers had not been returned from the CEF within sufficient time to avoid storage. AFIF and CBFCA have been discussing this aspect with Customs and Stevedores for some time and persisted in obtaining this result, which should assist our members in alleviating unnecessary storage.

SECURITY

Air Cargo Transport Security Programs (TSP) Update

Most 'transitioned' Regulated Air Cargo Agents (RACAs) have requested the information and signed the security undertaking in order to begin preparing their new TSPs, ahead of formal implementation in 2007. DOTARS have advised us that they wish to receive as many as possible by November 2006, in order that they can review and recommend any changes prior to the implementation date. The templates DOTARS have produced to assist members in preparing their TSPs are, we believe, a good guide. DOTARS will also be able to send out a field officer to assist you in preparing these TSPs if you are having difficulties. In the meantime all current training programs will be effective until march 2007 and we will be in contact regarding new training arrangements from March 2007.

GENERAL ISSUES

GST Billing to Overseas Entities

As per AFIF bulletin dated 27th July, we advised that AFIF; CBFCA and CAPEC had commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers to draft a submission to Treasury. We are attempting to overturn ruling GSTR2005/6 in regards to ATO decision to revert to a requirement to bill applicable GST to overseas entities for a DDU or DDP supply made in Australia. Further to that bulletin, industry has viewed the first draft and PWC are working on fine tuning this submission for lodgement in the very near future. Please click here to view the AFIF bulletin http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Jul06_GST0506.htm

SEAFREIGHT

Maritime Security Cards

Whilst the effective date for the new AMSIC card is January 2007, DOTARS has the right under new legislation to enter maritime security areas from August 1st, to check AMSIC cards or request persons to produce evidence that the application has been submitted. DOATARS do not want to see a situation where there is a log jam just ahead of the January 1st implementation date. Please ensure all relevant persons requiring AMSIC cards lodge applications asap, if not already done.

Agency Cooperation

We are holding details of overseas agents wishing to set-up cooperative arrangements. If you are looking just send an email to afif@afif.asn.au, with details of the country of interest. We may be able to assist!!

Accommodation & Travel

Please click here to go to the relevant information at our Website: http://www.afif.asn.au/news_travelhotels.asp

Check out the AFIF Website for Latest Industry Info!

Just a reminder that our website is updated daily, with new items added to our front page and archived in relevant News Folder. So please check for the latest info regularly!

:: EVENTS

CBFCA National Conference August 31 - September 03, Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast

The annual CBFCA National Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Sanctuary Cove. Please click here to view full details http://www.cbfca.com.au/ConferenceItem.aspx?EntityId=270803&StateId=-1

3rd Intermodal Asia 2006 Exhibition and Conference 26-27 October

The Port of Brisbane will be hosting the 3rd Intermodal Asia Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast between October 26 & 27, 2006. Please click here to view all the information http://www.transportevents.com/event_page.cfm?event_content_id=179

:: AFIF TRAINING

Please click here to view the AFIF Training bulletin for the month of August http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Jul06_AFIFTrainingAugust06.htm