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AFIF MEMBERS SUMMARY BULLETIN
CUSTOMS CMR Whilst familiarity with the ICS Import system grows within the community, there are a number of outstanding matters which the high level IAG Industry Committee is dealing with. This group formed a number of sub-committees which enable the fine detail of these issues to be discussed by expert operators. AFIF representatives have worked hard within these sub-committees and it is disappointing to note that many of the outcomes are as yet still unresolved by Customs and it seems as though the impetus is gone from the drive in which they first addressed these matters. We aim to take this to the highest level and ensure that agreed necessary fixes are made within the system to ensure that industry gets the system it needs to deliver its service to the customers. Some of you might be thinking that everything is working fine, but please remember that a number of activities that you are currently doing are not related to an Integrated Cargo System, they are workarounds or contingencies and will need to be removed to enable the system to work to its full effectiveness. Other areas are more critical to a modern and efficient system and we are insistent that these matters are fixed as soon as possible. Please click here to view the various information that we regularly update on the latest situation with ICS Import. Chance to have your say There will be two reviews conducted surrounding CMR. One will be a post-implementation review, conducted by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), which was planned regardless. In addition, the new CEO of Customs, Mr. Michael Carmody has commissioned an independent review to be conducted by Booz Allen which will be more concerned with the future of the ICS and how improvements can be made. AFIF will be consulted during the review and our members will also be invited to participate. If you wish to put your hand up to be interviewed by these organisations, please contact Brian Lovell at AFIF. Customs Compensation Claims AIRFREIGHT Security DOTARS have recently completed a nationwide circuit of workshops assisting industry in preparing the new Transport Security Programs that are required under the aviation security legislation amendment act, (due to become effective March 2007). AFIF is currently working with DOTARS to develop the ‘competency- based’ training requirements under the new programs and we will be in a position to continue to assist industry under the revised regime. Customs Security Initiatives As Customs Securing the Supply Chain A further Australian Customs initiative will be announced during the year, in which they wish to introduce a similar program to the US Customs C-TPAT program. This will be aimed at securing the whole supply chain and registering organisations who meet the appropriate security guidelines. We have asked Customs to be patient in regard to the introduction of these arrangements, as industry has been trying to cope with implementation of the import ICS program since last October !! We will advise further information asap. Please note: Security and technology will be one of the major topics at the AFIF national conference in May (see below) where panellists from DOTARS and Customs will advise the industry of some of these plans. Neutron Scanner Update The tri Security Alert ! We have been advised by the Major Fraud Investigation Division of Victoria Police that they are investigating fraud allegations in both Airlines Asked to Provide Information on Alleged Price-Fixing The European Commission and the US Department of Justice have begun an investigation into alleged price-fixing within the aircargo industry. In early February, offices of some cargo carrying airlines in both Europe and the The investigation is believed to centre around fuel surcharges and the way they are applied. We await further news with interest ! SEAFREIGHT Container Weight Declaration The Feder Container Detention AFIF has been discussing for some time improvements to the container detention charges issue, including the type of invoicing practices adopted by some shipping lines. We are making progress and we are looking to announce some improvements at, or before, our national conference in May, where this will be one of the topics for discussion. GENERAL ISSUES and OTHER INFORMATION Towards a Single Industry Body (S.I.B) Please refer to the attached joint release issued by the Chairmen of both AFIF and the CBFCA in relation to discussions on the formation of a Single Industry Body for the industry. Click here to access the file. Worldwide Activities AFIF is a member of the World Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA). For the latest info on what is happening in freight forwarding, customs and logistics worldwide, don’t forget to click on the FIATA reference section of our website. Click here to access the folder. Risks Facing the Australian Dollar ! ...an independant view Nicholas Tubb, General Manager of Ruesch Australia, discusses current factors affecting the outlook for the Australian Dollar (and outlines what forwarders can do to mitigate against currency fluctuations eroding their profit margins). Click here for the full article. Agency CooperWe 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 !! Accommod Please click here to go to the relevant information at our Website. Check out the AFIF Website for L Just
AFIF Conference 2006 - Royal Pines, Gold Coast May 17 - 19 We are delighted to announce the program for our annual national conference, this year to be held at the magnificent Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast between the 17th and 19th of May. The key note speaker will be Senator Chris Ellison, Minister for Justice and Customs, who has been in the media spotlight ever since the ill fated introduction of the import phase of ICS last October. On day 2, we shall have the response from the Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Joe Ludwig. The working program is also full of other highlights including a very high profile airfreight session comprising three of the most senior airline cargo people in the world. IATA will also outline their ambitious and revolutionary E-Freight program for cargo. In Seafreight, a high profile panel will discuss Container Weight Declaration / “Chain of Responsibility”, Container Detention, the China Syndrome and more. Security will be a major topic due to imminent significant changes. As always, the entertainment program will be first class and this year we are sure that delegates will just love the performance from Rhond
AFIF Monthly 2006 Training Bulletin March TRAINING TIP: Check the AFIF website for theup-to-date schedule before booking acourse.
For immediate confirmation, book all your AFIF training on-line via our website at www.afif.asn.au For any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Simone Platt the Training Administrator at training@afif.asn.au AFIF reserves the right to cancel courses and/or alter coursedates in order to suit demand. Those who would be affected by cancellation orcourse date changes will be entitled to a full refund or a position on the next available course.
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