The Australian Border Force is experiencing significant Customs Entry processing issues that are affecting all processing of Import and Export Customs Entries. This may lead to some delays in cargo deliveries.
The Department is investigating the issues as a matter of urgency and will continue to keep all Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers updated as  appropriate
Please take a moment to look at new forms that have been posted in Communicater.
Information has been added for topics on Asbestos, Fumigation, Certificate of Origin, Plywood declaration.
Based on the further information we have obtained from the Australian Border Force (ABF) regarding the importation of goods which may contain Asbestos, we have had to update the Declaration Forms.
To satisfy the ABF’s requirements that the imported goods do not contain Asbestos and to be compliant with the requirements for lodgement of customs entries, we have prepared forms that need to be completed by both your supplier and a form by the importer confirming they have completed due diligence requirements.
Please refer to the link below for previous newsletters.
While rates from above ports have remained quite stable for the past 4-5 months, we are again now receiving notices from shipping lines that they will be applying rate increases effective 1st July 2017.
These notices are not uncommon and while the current notices are indicating a General Rate Increase of USD 300.00/20ft and USD 600.00/40ft container, we do not believe this level of rate increment will be introduced. Last year we received the same notices from 1st July and the resultant increases were determined by the market, some increases were as low as USD 25.00/20ft and USD 50.00/40ft FCL.
Naturally, GPSM will be negotiating with the lines throughout June 2017 in an effort to minimise cost increases and we will, of course, keep all clients advised of any movements in the market.
Dear Clients,
Our China partners have advised that several shipping lines have advised there could be a shortage of empty containers in China, particularly in Shanghai, in coming weeks.
This is a result of the following factors:
The export boom during Chinese New Year period.
Recent congestion in the Yangtze River Delta Area resulting in delayed ocean vessel departures.
The unusual number of exports from Australia in recent months not allowing the normal high number of empty containers returned to China on northbound sailings.
The above may incur longer waiting times than normal waiting for empty container pick-ups in China, we would advise all clients it is suggested that bookings be made as early as possible so we can secure empty equipment at the earliest opportunity.
Please be advised that the industrial action at the Patrick Terminal Port Botany is continuing. All slots have been cancelled until 16:00 today. The latest Terminal update has indicated “still no news on return to work”.
GPSM has cleared all available containers prior to the stoppage. Patrick has arranged vessels to be worked at DPW during this period to reduce any negative impact on imports.
GPSM will be making every effort to move containers in a timely manner without interruption to our customers.
Thank you for being patient during this interruption to services.
There is currently legislation in Parliament to consider passing a bill that will ensure that GST is payable on certain imports into Australia of low-value goods. If passed the legislation will commence on or after 1st July 2017 and will mean that “overseas vendorsâ€, “Electronic distribution platforms†and “Re deliverers†will have to account for GST on sales of low-value goods to consumers in Australia . Any of the 3 categories that have GST turnover of A$75,000 or more will need to participate in this new legislation.
Essentially this will force new cargo reporting and clearance requirements associated with the import of low range value cargo on International freight forwarders, express carriers, and licensed customs brokers. Overseas vendors will provide a simplified Registration option responsible for payment only of GST with the ATO to issue a unique Vendor Registration number ( VRN ).
It is noted that Australia would be the first country to apply GST to the importation of low valued goods using a “Vendor Collection Model”, with Jurisdictions such as the European Union moving towards the same regime.
For many Importers, searching for shipments or Purchase Orders on web based track and trace systems has always been done by using Purchase Order, Bill of Lading or Container numbers. Some Importers like to create a “shipment reference “ of their own once their PO’s become a shipment, however, up until now, this was not a searchable field for many of tracking sites.
Apart from giving users of GPSM’s unique Supply Chain Management tool, Communicater, over 15 different search criteria for their Purchase Orders and Shipments, Communicater now gives users the opportunity to add shipment reference values of their preference so that everyone in the organisation can search for supply chain information
Please ask your Customer Service contact for more details how to use this new feature
For those Importers who can provide us with a downloadable format of their Purchase Order , searching to a product level is also possible
It’s just another way that Communicater has been developed for its users from the Importers perspective.
Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) have advised that effective from 1st April, they will introduce a fuel surcharge of HKD 0.70/kg (approximately AUD 0.12/kg) for all freight moved on their services to all Australian destinations. The fuel charge will be based on the chargeable weight of each shipment.
Airport Cargo terminal Operators (CTO’s) have announced an increase in the local handling charges effective from 3rd April 2017.
The costs will increase by AUD 0.01/kg and will be calculated on the chargeable weight of each shipment, this increase is the first one introduced in the last couple of years.
GPSM will be updating our costs structures to reflect the latest “out of pocket†cost increases.
Further to our below Newsflash distributed earlier this month, please note the start date for the new Port Infrastructure Charge for Sydney has now been delayed until 17th April 2017.
The deferred start date is a direct result of Industry Lobby Groups expressing their displeasure at the short notice of the implementation date initially given by DP World.
We shall keep you advised of further updates if and when same are received.
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