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AFIF Christmas Special Bulletin
DECEMBER 2003
Dear Members,
As this will be our last issue for 2003, we hope all our members had a very productive year, despite all the usual uncertainties of the trading economy. At AFIF, we have had the usual busy year with the numerous changes that effect our industry and we hope that we have provided you with good service to assist you in your business activities.
Have fun and keep safe!
Ebsworth & Ebsworth Lawyers is a leading commercial law firm who has acted and been a part of the freight forwarding industry for over 100 years. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the firm is an internationally recognised leader in transport, financial services, technology and communications, commercial litigation, professional indemnity, insurance, health, property and construction, and public and product liability. For more information visit www.ebsworth.com.au or contact Joe Hurley, Partner at jhurley@ebsworth.com.au or telephone 02-9234 2268.
Visit our website: http://www.ebsworth.com.au
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CHANGES TO AVIATION SECURITY ANNOUNCED
We await official advice from DoTaRS as to changes that will effect the regulated agent international security program. The announcement by the Deputy PM indicates that the main changes will extend the Air cargo Security regime to domestic air cargo. In addition, compliance monitoring will be strengthened with a proposed four-fold increase in the audit team. Click here for a direct link to the Deputy PM Media Release and Fact Sheets.
In another announcement the Government will provide $8.4 million to ACS to trial world-first neutron scanning technology, which promises rapid detection of explosives, drugs in air cargo more effectively than conventional x-ray systems. The technology will scan an air freight container in less than two minutes.
Cargo Management Re-Engineering (CMR) Update
As per separate Bulletin December 10th, Customs have announced that they will ensure all new ICS systems will be fully tested with Industry software developers before announcing a three month preparation period prior to cutover. The next phase will be Exports, originally planned for March 1st, 2004. We will keep you posted as to developments and refresher training programs.
Click here to view the ACS Media Release (10 Dec 2003)
AFIF AGM & Members Briefing & AGM-November 27
It was great to see so many member companies represented and the interaction during the briefing sessions, plus feedback since, has indicated to us that this trial proved to be a beneficial format for the AGM!
Whilst we have previously circulated Minutes of the AGM, we feel it is worth reminding members that we allocate ‘portfolios’ to Directors, who are responsible for monitoring key areas of our industry business. The current portfolio leaders are:
Airfreight: Paul Golland, Activair.
Customs X-ray and Examination: Stuart McFarlane, Yusen.
Government Affairs: Paul Angel, TCF.
IT/E-Commerce: Peter McNamara, AMI.
Sea freight: Gerry O’Connell, Wilson.
At the first Board Meeting in February these portfolios will be re-assessed by the new Board and we will announce any changes. Please feel free to write to these people through AFIF with issues of concern.
Outcomes from the Members Briefing session held prior to the AGM are detailed as follows:
STATUS OF ACCC REVIEW OF IATA CARGO
The ACCC have held further meetings with both AFIF and Airline members of IATA ahead of their draft determination of issues including:
- The Cargo Agency Program as it operates in Australia and…
- IATA Resolution 502 – the volumetric issue
We await with interest the ACCC action, especially in view of events in Europe whereby the European commission has set a date (May 1st ) after which all ‘immunities’ from anti-competitive action by IATA & parties to any agreement will be removed.
MARITIME SECURITY BILL
Whilst the primary objective of the new Maritime Security Bill is to bring Australia into line with international recommendations on ship and port security, the Government intends to widen this to ensure the integrity of the total transport chain. In view of this our industry should be prepared for tighter security controls in seafreight operations in the near future. The government may look to mirror the current International Aircargo (Regulated Agent program).
ASU LOG OF CLAIMS
Some of our members have been served with a notice by the ASU on what they term a ‘Log of Claims’ (a set of demands) as to implementation of minimum requirements proposed by the union. Our industrial relations advisor Bob Bailey has suggested that members do not ignore the letter (whilst the claims may seem unreasonable). We can put you in touch with our consultant who will advise you as to your options on this matter which may include appearing before the Industrial Relations Commission to demonstrate that you may have an enterprise bargaining agreement or that you are happy to work with the conditions of the industry award (International Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearing Award 1992 as amended). Please contact AFIF for details on obtaining more advice.
MONTREAL CONVENTION 1999
Peter McQueen of Blake Dawson Waldron Lawyers advised that...
Australia is likely to ratify a new International Air cargo Convention designed to replace the original Warsaw Convention and all of its various amendments over the years since 1929. Where cargo is carried between countries that have signed the agreement, it will incorporate unbreakable limits of liability and the standard notional currency unit known as ‘a special drawing right’ (or SDR) is fixed at 17 per kilo. The ‘SDR’ is converted to local currency using a daily exchange rate. When this new convention comes into force, AFIF will present member seminars.
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT – EFFECT ON FORWARDERS
Tony Greenwood (Ebsworth & Ebsworth Lawyers), informed members that when offering insurance related services they have a number of options available to them to comply with the new ‘FSR’ legislation (effective, March ‘04). They may choose to obtain an insurance broker license (from ASIC) or gain authorised representative status from their insurance underwriter.
AFIF have posted the full details of the options on the website, click here to view.
To apply for a licence from ASIC, click here:
http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic_polprac.nsf/byheadline/Applying+for+an+AFS+licence?openDocument
USFDA REGULATIONS RE FOOD STORAGE
Further to the briefing and previous items in our bulletins, the deadline for registering of premises where food is stored for any length of time prior to transit to the USA is fast approaching. Those registering must also nominate the US based agent.
Please click here for more details:-
Australian Food Exports to USA Registration of Foreign Food Facilities.
Australian Food Exports to USA III Registration of Foreign Food Facilities.
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NICK ZAKRIS LEAVES IATA
Nick Zakris, formally IATA Cargo CASS Manager, Australia and SW Pacific and more recently the Director, Cargo for IATA Area 3, recently left IATA in a worldwide management re-structure. Nick had been with the organisation for nearly 22 years. He will certainly be missed not only in the Australian market but in the Asian region where he was instrumental in solving a great number of issues within CASS countries. I am sure you will join with us in wishing him the very best for his future !
IATA / CASS….. 28 DAY CREDIT PROCESSING
AFIF and IATA would be interested to hear your impressions on how this system is working for you (or not as the case may be)! Please drop us a line with any feedback. This was, in theory, a good result for the industry. Is it good in practice?
LUFTHANSA ANNOUNCE INCREASE IN FUEL SURCHARGE
With effect from 18 December 2003, the fuel surcharge applied by Lufthansa will increase to AUD$0.25 cents per kilo.
FIATA WORLD CONGRESS – BALI, SEPT 29-OCT 30, Report.
FIATA went ahead with its annual World Congress in Bali this year and although less well attended than perhaps usual, by all accounts it was a very productive series of meetings.
Please click here for the report as filed by AFIF representative and FIATA Vice-President, Barry Vining.
FAPAA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING – KATHMANDU, NEPAL OCTOBER 16-19, 2003
AFIF is a very active participant and also the Secretariat of the 16 member country Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations (FAPAA).
Please click here to go to the report/press release as filed by Brian Lovell after the annual Executive Council Meetings, this year in Kathmandu.
BUSINESS FOR SALE / PARTNERSHIP REQUIRED?
We have received an enquiry from an individual wishing to purchase, or enter into a partnership with a small freight forwarding / customs broking company. The person claims to have a strong background in freight forwarding, previously holding a 60% shareholding in a South African company. Contact AFIF for more details.
Work Experience required for young overseas trainee
We have been asked if any of our members would be interested in taking on a French citizen for work experience in Intl Logistics for January and February. Please contact AFIF for CV. The young man appears to have very good tertiary qualifications in Intl Export Mgmt and has spent some time in a manufacturing company with knowledge of trade documentation.
AIRFREIGHT ASIA, February 2004 – BANGKOK
The 2004 Airfreight Asia Conference and Exhibition will be held in Bangkok, please click here for full program details.
AFIF 2004 Conference, May 19 – 21, Gold Coast
 The venue and advance information on the location is available now!
Click here to view.
| :: AFIF XMAS, New Year Office dates |
AFIF Secretariat office will be closed from Monday December 22nd through to January 2nd, 2004. However any urgent enquiry during this period will be handled as normal.
Please use regular contact details or 0412 049 700.
AGENCY CO-OPERATION
We are holding information from many countries with regard to opportunities for new agency relationships. Please contact AFIF for more details.
TRAVEL AND HOTEL DEALS
Following the acquisition by the Accor group of the Hilton Airport Sydney Hotel it is now a ‘Mercure’ property. We have negotiated the best possible rates for our members with the new owners and we are currently obtaining great rates for all Accor group hotels, Australia wide (including Novotel, Ibis etc).
For all travel and accommodation deals please refer to the AFIF Website.
For immediate confirmation, you can now book all your AFIF training on-line via our website at http://www.afif.asn.au
IMPORTANT NOTE - International AirCargo Security
Industry compliance is a major incentive of the new government reforms. The Government intends to increase the number of Transport Security Investigator’s to audit industry compliance. Check your employee’s records to ensure that your staff are certified.
IMPORTANT NOTE - Dangerous Goods
new CASA regulations to take effect from Jan 1st 2004, include the requirement that ALL shippers of Dangerous Goods by Air need to undertake appropriate training. Pls advise those involved that AFIF can provide this training. The Govt will allow a six month moratorium after which this new rule will be strictly monitored.
The 2004 Training Schedule is now on our website.
Course
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Location
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January |
February |
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International Air Cargo Security |
Sydney |
13 January
21 January |
9 February
23 February |
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Melbourne |
14 January |
9 February |
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Brisbane |
29 January |
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Adelaide |
15 January |
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Dangerous Goods Acceptance (Air) |
Sydney |
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16-18 February |
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Melbourne |
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3-5 February |
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Brisbane |
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9-11 February |
| Adelaide |
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17-19 February |
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Dangerous Goods Re-Certification |
Sydney |
14 January
20 January |
3 February
10 February
19 February
24 February |
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Melbourne |
13 January |
10 February |
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Dangerous Goods Awareness |
Sydney |
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4 February |
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Int’l Export Air Freight |
Melbourne |
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16-19 February |
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Load Distribution & Restraint |
Sydney |
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2 February |
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Sea Container Pack/Unpack |
Sydney |
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25 February |
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Brisbane |
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2 February |
For any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Ms Simone Platt the Training Administrator at training@afif.asn.au
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