MEMBERS SUMMARY BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 05 
 

:: SPONSOR
 

:: ARTICLES

CUSTOMS

ICS Import Cutover - October 12
As advised through AFIF bulletins and various media outlets, Customs have decided to proceed regardless of what industry believe to be inadequate testing and resolution of outstanding key issues. Whilst AFIF recognises the cost imposition on both business and government of further delays, we hold Customs responsible to ensure that the major technical matters are resolved prior to October 12 and that, post implementation, we will work towards improvement in areas such as the business continuity plan in the event of a systems failure.  

Please click here to view the bulletin issued on September 26:-    http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_ICSImportCutover.htm

CMR Imports: - Help Options and Customs Help Desk facilities

The Industry user representative for the new Customs ICS has compiled a list of HELP OPTIONS for use by Industry in determining where to ask for help in different situation regarding the new Import ICS system from October 12. 
 
Please click here to view the Notice

"Workarounds" for Import ICS anomalies

Customs have issued a Notice regarding an 'Industry Workarounds' Document, designed to facilitate the smooth flow of Import Cargo, despite some system anomalies that still need to be fixed after the cut-over to ICS Imports on October 12. This document is also available on the Customs Website.

In the meantime we are being advised by Customs that all 'critical' incidents will be resolved prior to the cut-over.

Please click here to view 'Workarounds' document

Cargo Reporting - Under Bond Removal Requests
One Item that we will endeavour to resolve post implementation is in relation to under-bond removal requests. These cannot be lodged unless the cargo has been reported at the master air waybill level by the airline. The system cannot currently store these requests ahead of the carrier reporting by the airline. The system cannot currently store these requests ahead of the carrier reporting function.  

AFIF has issued bulletins in relation to this as follows:- 
: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_cmrUpdate.htm
: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_CargoReporting.htm

Changes to Screen-Free Cargo
AFIF forwarded a notice from Qantas on September 22nd dealing with changes to screen free cargo. Whilst this relates more to direct importers, it may be of interest to members.  

Please click here to view  http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_freeScrenning.htm

CMR - Digital Certificates
On September 19th we issued a bulletin prepared by Paul Zalai, the industry user representative for the ICS, in relation to Digital Certificates. We presume that the majority of our members would have organised this by now, however it may be a useful document if you have not yet completed the process.  

Please click here to view : http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_CMRUpdate2.htm

No Digital Certificate for ICS ? - Bureau options for Members
The Industry user representative for the new Customs ICS has compiled a list of possible options for those companies who do not yet have a Digital Certificate and therefore may be unable to use the new ICS Import system from October 12. 
 
Please click here to view if this affects you

Non ICS Registered 77g Depots
Customs have advised that there are a number of 77g depots still not registered to use the ICS. If you are using these depots to consolidate cargo through, then cargo reporting will be difficult. However 1-Stop have provided a solution for the industry. 

Please click here to view:- http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_1StopAdvice.htm

Note: We will soon be releasing a full list of Bureau service providers being compiled by the ICS User representative.

AQIS

AQIS clarify Help Desk support for CMR
AQIS have issued a Notice to supplement the summary advice regarding their Help desk services for Import CMR. Please circulate to all concerned.

Please click here to view Notice

AIRFREIGHT

Qantas CTO Sydney and AFIF Meet to Discuss Major Issues
On September 13th the AFIF NSW Committee met with Qantas to discuss major issues effecting cargo distribution at the Qantas Sydney Cargo Terminal.  

Please click here to view the full text of minutes:-
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/sept05_MeetingAFIFQuantas.pdf

New Air Cargo Agency Agreements Mailed to Members
Further to the previous members summary bulletin, IATA have now mailed out to all IATA cargo agents the new agreement which includes recognition of freight forwarders as ‘intermediaries’ as well as their traditional role as cargo agents. It is important that members study these documents carefully and sign and return as soon as possible, failure to do so will mean that the existing agreement will remain in place.

Airport Security & Policing Review - “Wheeler Report”
An independent review of airport security and policing conducted on behalf of the government by the right Hon Sir John Wheeler was released recently.  The report has much to say about communication, coordination and policing and, as expected, much of it relates to passenger traffic. The overriding message in regard to cargo is summarised by the report recommendation as follows: ‘It is recommend that the Australian Government require that  the screening of cargo be expanded and include mandatory screening of all cargo on passenger aircraft where passengers’ checked baggage is screened”.

Click here to view Press Release and links to the full Report:- 
http://www.aspr.gov.au/

AFIF will be working with the government on the effects of this recommendation where it is related to our industry. AFIF made submission to the report and highlighted, amongst other issues, the auditing program which has lead to inconsistent compliance by certain sectors of the industry and ramifications for compliant businesses. Furthermore, we recommended an increase in background checks on industry employees who have direct access to cargo.

Neutron Scanner Trial - Brisbane
Trials for the Neutron Scanner at Brisbane Airport have been delayed until November. There have been some minor technical glitches but hopefully these will be resolved in time for the  testing period.  Another Industry Consultative Meeting will be held in early November. If members would like any specific issues raised at the next meeting please do not hesitate to contact AFIF.

Further to the Wheeler report, the trial of the Brisbane Airport Neutron Scanner will take on an even greater importance. If this is successful, it will be one of the methods that government will look at to implement across Australia to meet some of the recommendations of the report.  

Please click here to view the AFIF bulletin of September 7th on this subject :-http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/sept05_Neutron.htm

SEAFREIGHT

Patrick Vehicle Booking System Through 1-Stop
On September 16th we issued a bulletin relating to the vehicle booking system (VBS) available through 1-Stop for Patrick Port Botany Terminal.  

Please click here to view the full notice :- 
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_PatrickVehicle.htm

GENERAL ISSUES

AFIF and CBFCA to Progress Discussions
As advised to members by the AFIF CEO on September 21st and followed by a detailed outline from the AFIF Chairman on September 26, AFIF and CBFCA reached agreement at the FIATA World Congress in Moscow to set aside previous disagreements on attempts to form a single industry body and to progress discussions with a view to make this happen in the near future.  

Please click here to view the full bulletins:-    http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_Movingtowards.htm
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_AFIFandCBFCAtoProgressdiscussions.htm

MaxeTrade Offer Special Deals
As reported on September 12th 2005, MaxeTrade, the industry network provider is offering special deals to AFIF and CBFCA members allowing direct connection to Australian Customs over a private network. This will be backed by 24 x 7 industry specific help desk.  

Please click here to view the full information:- 
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/news/Sept05_MaxeTrade_Fixed.pdf

AFIF V.P. of FIATA Re-elected
We are pleased to report that Barry Vining, Executive Director, VIP Logistics Pty Ltd, a member of TNT Freight Management (Australia) Pty Ltd, was re-elected
Vice-President of FIATA at the recent Moscow congress.

This will be Barry’s sixth consecutive two year term as Vice-President of the worldwide freight forwarding and logistics organisation and makes him the longest serving Vice-President.

As the AFIF representative on the Extended Board we (AFIF) have the advantage of direct contact with the FIATA Board as a group and individual members representing other countries. 

Barry is also a member of the IATA / FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) which, amongst other issues, discusses matters relating to the New European Cargo Agency Program and was the source for the development of the New Australian Program.

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.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 archived in relevant News Folder. So please check for the latest info regularly !

:: EVENTS

AFIF Training  

If you are interested in finding out more about the course or to register, please visit 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”.

 

October

The2006 Training Schedule from January to June is NOW available on our website ready to take bookings.

 

For immediate confirmation, book all your AFIF training on-line via our website at www.afif.asn.au

 

International Air Cargo Security

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

SYDNEY

17

14

28

12

MELBOURNE

11

31

8

30

12

BRISBANE

11

 

 

ADELAIDE

25

 

 

Dangerous Goods Acceptance (Air)

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

SYDNEY

 

25-27

14-16

22-24

6-8

MELBOURNE

24-26

 

13-15

BRISBANE

12-14

 

 

ADELAIDE

 

15-17

 

Dangerous Goods Re-Certification

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

SYDNEY

4

18

2

21

13

MELBOURNE

10

7

1

BRISBANE

10

 

 

ADELAIDE

24

 

 

International Export Airfreight Procedures

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

SYDNEY

 

7-10

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

ADELAIDE

10-13

 

 

                 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Basic Import Airfreight Procedures

SYDNEY

 

 

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

ADELAIDE

 

 

 

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Load Distribution & Restraint

SYDNEY

19

 

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Claims Procedures

SYDNEY

 

 

 

MELBOURNE

27

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

ADELAIDE

 

 

 

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Basic Import Sea Freight Procedures

SYDNEY

 

 

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

ADELAIDE

 

 

 

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Basic Export Sea Freight Procedures

SYDNEY

 

 

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

ADELAIDE

 

 

 

 

OCT

NOV

DEC

Sea Container Pack/Unpack

SYDNEY

6

 

 

MELBOURNE

 

 

 

BRISBANE

 

 

 

 

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.