A call for better supply chain awareness of border obligations

A call for better supply chain awareness of border obligations – penalties are possible

: News Feed; Tuesday, 20 June 2017

A call for better supply chain awareness of border obligations – penalties are possible

SLIP ups, ignorance and the occasional malfeasance have caused the Department of Immigration and Border Protection - in association with its operational arm, the Australian Border Force - to issue a reminder of our sector’s supply chain legislative requirements, including the operation of licensed depots.

“It is important that depot licence holders familiarise themselves with their obligations and the processes used to communicate with the Department and receive information about cargo subject to Customs control.”

The notice suggests immediate boning up on each of out-turn reporting obligations, the correct use of under bond movements, time up goods, record keeping to provide a clear audit trail of all incoming and outgoing goods, correct use of warehouse declarations, the infringement notice scheme and offences in the supply chain.

All these are covered in specific pages within the www.border.gov.au web site.

The notice - signed by Canberra-based customs compliance commander Erin Dale and Joshua Hutton, acting assistant secretary at the Department’s trade and customs branch - says the Department and ABF are keen to improve industry knowledge of border-related obligations.

“The Department seeks to encourage higher levels of voluntary compliance by increasing understanding and awareness of the ability for industry to correct any errors, omissions or adjustments and be protected from liability for an offence.

“The ABF will continue to undertake compliance activities to ensure that the information communicated in relation to cargo and its movements are correct and in line with the intent of this notice.

“If errors or omissions are identified by the department, or if anyone in the supply chain fails to adhere to their obligations, appropriate treatments will be considered.”

Such treatments can range from education and awareness for those genuinely trying to comply, a demand for payment of outstanding duty and taxes, the issuing of infringement notices, an investigation for misconduct, suspension or revocation of a licence through to prosecution for more serious and systemic breaches.