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AFIF MONTHLY MEMBERS SUMMARY BULLETIN
October, 2004
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1. HEADLINES
AFIF Presents Major Issues to FIATA World Congress
AFIF representatives attended the FIATA World Congress at Sun City, South Africa, September 19 - 23 and raised several major items, primarily at the airfreight institute meeting. AFIF insisted that FIATA take up the issue of vital amendments to the air waybill, Including: a clear definition of the word "carriage" ; clarifying the actual point of departure and destination and to fix a standard limitation of liability (clause4). These issues were highlighted in the Schenker vs Siemens case. In addition, the growing global concern regarding the forwarders requirement to collect surcharges on behalf of the carrier. AFIF and other member country Associations have suggested that FIATA push for Forwarders to receive compensation when acting as a collection agent. We have been placing minutes of the various meetings from the World Congress on our website under NEWS / FIATA. Go to: http://www.afif.asn.au/news_fiata.asp
AFIF AGM - November 25th , Holiday Inn, Sydney Airport
In October we issued notices of our forthcoming AGM, which will also feature a one hour ‘Member Briefing Session’ immediately prior to the AGM. This session will give you an update of some topical industry matters and will be an opportunity for you to have your say on issues of importance to you. Click here to view notice and download relevant documents http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Oct04_Notice_of_Annual_General_Meeting_2004.htm
MaxeTrade - Industry Owned Company to Link to Customs
AFIF issued a bulletin on October 28th announcing the launch of MaxeTrade, an industry initiative to enable electronic reporting link to customs, which will be particularly important when compile is switched off in the middle of next year. To view the full bulletin, go to: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/OCT04_MaxeTradeannouncement.htm MaxeTrade stakeholders (Max eCommerce; Tradegate, AFIF & CBFCA) will be conducting live demonstrations of the system in State Capital Cities, commencing Nov 22. Please Click here for full details. We urge you to attend these seminars to evaluate the features and benefits of this major industry initiative.
2. CUSTOMS / CMR
CUSTOMS / CMR CMR - ICS Training for Import Cargo Reporting & Declarations - ‘Release 5’
Following the implementation of ICS Release 4 , we are now working with the ACS and the CBFCA to develop training modules for Release 5 , for Operators, which includes the separate programs of: Import Cargo Reporting and Import Declarations (customs entries). The training sessions will commence in February and will cover all capital cities. We anticipate training in the region of 6,000 people. More on this later. In the meantime and as advised in AFIF Bulletin of Nov 1, ACS are presenting Business Managers Awareness sessions, around Australia, in November and December. Please click here to view the Bulletin and Schedule: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Nov04ImportCMRICSBusinessManagersAwareness.htm
3. AIR CARGO ISSUES
Menzies Acknowledge Service Issues and Announce Plans to Fix
In an honest and constructive meeting with AFIF, Menzies senior management have admitted that service standards at the Sydney Cargo terminal have been totally unsatisfactory recently, in a number of areas and tabled plans and strategies to resolve the problems. AFIF will meet with Menzies again in one month to review progress. In summary :
- The immediate focus will be on truck waiting times
- Introduction of a new Cargo Manager - Stephen Buhagiar with sound experience in aviation services
- Increase Staff Numbers
- Introduction of a night-shift
- Introduction of a "Service Team" to review processes and resources to improve service delivery
- Introduction of changed rosters with focus on truck servicing Members feedback is encouraged as to whether these initiatives are working. Please provide dates, times and air waybill details as anecdotal information is of little use, … thankyou !
ACCC Release Interim Report on IATA Review
The ACCC have issued a status report regarding the ongoing review of IATA exemptions to the Trade Practice Act. The ACCC appear to have a good understanding of the issues raised by AFIF, on behalf of it’s members and these are included in the report. We invite you to examine the document which can be viewed at: http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/503770 When in this page, click on the PDF titled: Request for Submission, Cargo Agency System - Discussion Paper 26.10.04 (2nd document from the Top)
Fuel and Security Charge Updates
The Victorian Airfreight Council have posted the latest version of airline fuel surcharges and war insurance rates, on their website. Once you have accessed the site please select "security surcharges" to view. Go to: www.australianairfreight.com/vac
4. SEA CARGO ISSUES
Productivity Commission Release Preliminary Report into Liner Shipping
An interim Report on the review of ‘Part X’ of the Trade Practices Act , as it relates to Liner Shipping, has been released. To view the report, go to: http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/partx/index.html . There is also a Media Release with some of the key points. Interestingly, the Commission has similar views with some of the points put forward by AFIF, including that ‘Part X’ should exclude those agreements that seek to discuss or set prices and / or limit capacity.
What Constitutes a Package ?
Iain Sharples from Thomas Miller & Co (who represent the TT Club in Australia) has written an interesting article published in TT Talk (no.54) regarding the issue of ‘what constitutes a package’ ( under the Hague-Visby rules ) . A recent court case brought the matter into the spotlight and highlights how a very small documentation error can lead to a very expensive claim ! Click here to view:- http://www.onlinedmc.co.uk/el_greco_v__msc.htm
5. GENERAL ISSUES
Tradegate AGM - November 30th , 2004
Tradegate have announced details of their forthcoming AGM, to be held at The Coast Golf Club (behind Prince Henry Hospital, 1430 Anzac Parade, Little Bay, Sydney) from 5pm November 30th.
ATO Examine Transfer Pricing Issues / GST Compliance
It appears that the ATO are targeting our industry to compare profitability in relation to ‘transfer pricing’ issues. (This examines the fairness of declarations of profit and loss derived from activities with associate companies overseas - from the taxation viewpoint). The ATO also appears to have a renewed interest in how GST is being applied to various transactions in the export and import process, by forwarders and brokers. It may be timely to re-examine the current application of GST with your accountants.
The US Senate Pass Homeland Security Bill
The US Senate approved the Bill that will see funding of USD 32 billion for the Department of Homeland Security. The Bill now goes to the President for final approval. The allocation of funds include: $118 million for Air Cargo Security; $38 million for the Customs -Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and $322 million for the Automotive Commercial Environment (ACE).
Export Market Development Grants Scheme (EMDG)
You may wish to advise your exporters of the possibility of funding available through EMDG. The scheme reimburses up to 50% of eligible export promotion expenses (less the first $15,000). For information contact Austrade on 13 28 78, or visit website : www.austrade.gov.au/exportgrants/howtoapply
6. E - COMMERCE
1-STOP Linked on AFIF Website
If you need to view the latest information from 1-Stop (especially if you are sending ‘PRAs’), you can access information via the AFIF front page by clicking on the 1-Stop logo. Go to: www.afif.asn.au
7. Agency Cooperation: New details:-
- China:- A large logistic and supply chain solution / services company with a head office in Shenzen, would like to offer air & sea services to and from China.
- China:- A Shanghai based freight forwarder wishes to develop a business relationship with a small-medium Australian freight forwarder (specialising in sea cargo).
- Europe:- Eurofreight Umbrella Group. A consortium of well established independent multi-modal freight forwarders wish to introduce themselves to freight agents requiring effective representation in Europe.
- Sri Lanka:- A Euro Asia Group describing themselves as pioneer freight forwarder in Sri Lanka, are interested in establishing a business relationship with Australian based freight forwarders on a mutually beneficial basis.
- UK:- Air and sea forwarder wishing to expand airfreight operations into Australian is looking for a reliable agent to develop mutual services. It is IATA registered and can also handle import customs clearance in the UK.
We are also holding details of other 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 !!
We are now taking orders for 2005 IATA Publications
To order any IATA publication, including: DG Regulations Manuals & CD’s; Perishable Handling Manuals; Live Animals etc, etc. Please go to our website where you can view, order and pay on-line for any of the extensive range of manuals. Orders will be delivered from late November on. Click here to go to the relevant webpage: http://www.afif.asn.au/products_iata.asp
Accommodation & Travel
Please click here to go to the relevant information on our Website: http://www.afif.asnau/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 later archived in relevant News Folder. So please check for the latest info regularly !
Shipping Industry Charity Ball - December 4th, Sydney
There are now only 3 tables left (yes, nearly sold out !!) for the industry extravaganza to be held at Dockside, Cockle Bay at Darling Harbour on Saturday, December 4th . There are 12 seats per table. There will be many exciting raffle prizes and auction items for you to bid for, with all proceeds going to the Westmead Childrens Hospital. We look forward to seeing you all there ! Click here to view full details:
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/events/Nov04_FinalInvite.pdf
Organising a Christmas Party in Melbourne ?
Special offers are available at the Copacabana International in Melbourne for all AFIF member organised Christmas / New Year functions. Please refer to the following link and quote reference number ALA102004 when making a booking and you will obtain a 10% discount off the total bill. In addition the organiser and their partner (of an AFIF member organised function) go for free! http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Oct04_christmasSpecial.pdf
AFIF 2005 Conference Dates / Location Announced
The AFIF conference organising committee and Board have decided that AFIF 2005 will be held at the beautiful Novotel Palm Cove Resort, north of Cairns. The dates of the conference are May 18 - 20. The committee is currently planning the program for the event. In the meantime visit the AFIF 2005 conference website link for full preliminary information and pictures of the venue, etc. http://www.afif.asn.au/events_afif2005.asp
American Chamber of Commerce Golf Day - November 30th The American Chamber of Commerce will be holding their spring golf day on Tuesday, November 30th at Pennant Hills Golf Club. Please click here to view full details: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/events/Spring_Golf_Days.pdf
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AFIF Training
LAST Courses for the year…be Quick |
 To reserve a place!!! The 2005
Training Schedule will be posted on our website and available for course bookings by Mid November. If you are interested in finding out more about our courses or to register, please visit http://www.afif.asn.au
Training Booking TIP!
Did you know that you can also transfer and cancel participants on course bookings on-line and receive immediate confirmation! Just select either the Cancel or Amend button on the website in “Training”.
November & December 2004
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Course |
Location |
November |
December |
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International Air Cargo Security |
Sydney |
29 November |
8 December |
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Melbourne |
10 November |
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Brisbane |
24 November |
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Dangerous Goods Air (Acceptance)
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Sydney |
16-18 November |
14-6 December |
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Melbourne |
16-18 November |
7-9 December |
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Dangerous Goods By Air (Acceptance) Re-certification |
Sydney
Melbourne
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15 November & 30 November
30November |
7 December
6 December
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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 course dates in order to suit demand. Those who would be affected by cancellation or course date changes will be entitled to a full refund or a position on the next available course. |
