CUSTOMS

CMR

Import ICS Implementation Date

Further to previous bulletins and various reports, the Minister for Customs has now announced that, whilst July 19 will still remain as the last date for implementation (without requiring legislative change), a review will be conducted at the end of June as to the status of the testing between customs and industry and an extension will be requested through parliament should it be required. Consultation within industry and government at the highest level has, we believe, resulted in a sensible approach to getting this system right the first time. Please click here to review the previous bulletin, The Ministers Press Release http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/May05_MinisterforJustice.htm

The Opposition Slam Customs CMR Delays in Costs

As reported in the Lloyds List DCN, the shadow customs minister Senator Joe Ludwig has come out in the press stating that additional funding of $80M recently allocated to the CMR project could be eaten up in continuing delays.

He went on to criticise new charges to cover the cost of the CMR budget blow-out and the lack of consultation with industry, prior to the announcement of the increases.

Neutron Scanner Trial Date for Brisbane Announced

As per AFIF bulletin of Monday May 23^rd , the ACS have announced that in September this year they will commence trials of a new form of cargo screening device to be built at Brisbane Airport. The trial will commence for 18 months and will be subject to rigorous testing. If successful, it is

planned that this will be implemented in other airports around Australia. Please click here to view the full bulletin http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/May05_NeutronScanner.htm

Customs Standardised Data Set (SDS) Project

Customs have now created a specific website to update all interested parties on the progress of the project. Please click on the Customs website www.customs.gov.au and choose the Standardised Data Set tab (on the right).

AIRFREIGHT

Aviation Security – Industry Cargo Working Group

AFIF joined other industry representatives in a meeting to discuss the requirements for the new outcome based Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) program. The meeting agreed to form specific working groups dealing with various aspects of the new legislation and we will be actively participating in these and advising relevant outcomes as we make progress. In the meantime, training and aviation security will continue as before. Please click here to view details about the training situation    

Dangerous Goods Regulations - Update

IATA produces updates to the current DGR (46th) book from time to time and we have posted these to our website under a new section. We also forward these addendums to the contact person of all purchasers of the Dangerous Goods books. However if you have not seen these ‘addendums’ then please click on the following link to view. http://www.afif.asn.au/products_IATADG.asp . We suggest that if you handle DG’s, then you should save this as a ‘favourite’.

Sydney Airport (SACL) Commences Road Works

SACL commenced works at Link Road, Sydney airport on May 23^rd . It is planned that these will be completed by the middle of June. The main changes are the removal of on-street parking at Link Road. SACL claim that disruptions to traffic should be minimal except during the line marking stage and traffic managers will be on hand to assist with traffic flow at these times.

SEAFREIGHT

Container Detention Charges

GENERAL ISSUES

Individual (Freight Forwarder) Membership of FIATA

If you attended the recent AFIF 2005 conference in Cairns you would have had the opportunity to hear Mr. Issa Baluch, President of FIATA detailing the advantage of being a FIATA individual (freight forwarder) member. Please click here to view detailed information and an application form to apply 

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

AFIF 2005 Conference Outcome

With over 200 registrations, this was our best attended conference ever and the largest in terms of exhibition and sponsorship. From the feedback received to date, it would appear that participants also voted it the best ever ! In our feedback request we have asked for detailed information as to likes and dislikes and also where people would like to go next year. We will be listening to your views ! The functions and social program was a big hit and the program content was voted to be both extremely relevant and beneficial. Participation in all sessions was very encouraging. We will shortly be posting the speakers presentations, together with photographs from all sessions / functions from the event onto the web. Please keep watching the AFIF 2005 postcard banner on our website for updates. Click here to view  http://www.afif.asn.au/

FIATA World Congress  – Moscow 11-15 September, 2005

The FIATA World Congress will be held this year in Moscow between Sept 11 and 15th.  Please click here to view the full program http://www.far-aerf.ru/ENGLISH/index.htm . As we will be receiving a supply of the full Colour brochure, please contact AFIF Secretariat for a copy if you need one.