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Customs, Trade and Transport

International trade conventions, Free Trade Agreements, domestic legislation and the Internet are breaking down barriers to trade. Yet, at the same time, the regulations are becoming more complex for companies trading into Australia or beyond our borders.

Inbound traders are subject to Foreign Investment Review Board legislation, GST, quarantine, trade practices, dumping, customs and excise laws. Those trading outbound face issues relating to trade financing, shipping, commodity and freight contracts, as well as International Trade Convention obligations.

All traders face litigation, both here and overseas, and need to manage significant insurance exposure.

Service providers to traders, including customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping companies and airlines, need to be aware of all current restrictions and impending future changes to these restrictions.

All parties must also confront the new legislative regime associated with security issues, such as aviation and maritime security obligations.

Hunt & Hunt provides a comprehensive range of services to those involved in this industry and also has close relationships with complementary service providers, including the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association. We provide legal and advisory services to importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders and trade financiers.

We are at the forefront of Australia's Free Trade negotiations and are well placed to advise on how FTAs will affect Australian and international organisations.

Our firm has good relationships with all associated Commonwealth and State government departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Transport and Regional Services, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, and Customs. 

Additionally, Hunt & Hunt has entered into a strategic alliance with the Australian government's export promotions agency, Austrade.  By sharing knowledge and best practice, Austrade and Hunt & Hunt will jointly be able to provide practical assistance and the latest information to entities that are seeking to export their products or services overseas.

Our Services

Advice on aviation and maritime security obligations and insurance Assistance with finding service providers for the carriage of goods to and from overseas markets
Advice on charter party, bill of lading and air waybill dispute Dumping investigations                     
Advice on International Trade Conventions and all manner of related litigation including arbitration on international sales and shipping contracts Sale and purchase of vessels and aircraft
Advice on legislative developments and government affairs Structuring of trade financing
Advice on reporting obligations to customs authorities Tariff and valuation advice
Advice on the terms of any FTA and corresponding Australian domestic legislation, including Rules of Origin and entry requirements  

For further information, contact Andrew Hudson.

Click here to download the Customs, Trade and Transport fact sheet in PDF

Latest News

1 March 2010 Imported Hummer subject to luxury car tax
3 December 2009 Commencement of ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement clarified
9 November 2009 Customs releases PAD for the alleged dumping and subsidisation of aluminium extrusions from the PRC
26 October 2009 Commencement date for ASEAN FTA confirmed
14 September 2009 Productivity Commission issues draft report in Anti-Dumping Inquiry
21 August 2009 Alcopops legislation finally bubbles through Australian Parliament
14 August 2009 Australian Customs initiate investigation into alleged dumping of Silicone Emulsion Concrete Admixturesexported from the United States of America
5 August 2009 Australian Government announces new steel plan including changes to TCO and EPBS arrangements
15 July 2009 Productivity Commission recommends removal of parallel import protection for books
25 June 2009 Australian Customs initiate investigation into alleged dumping and subsidisation in relation to aluminium extrusions from China
17 June 2009 EPBS to be the subject of close attention by Customs
26 May 2009 Application of the Luxury Car Tax
13 May 2009 Federal Budget for 2009-2010. Much to do with less.
8 May 2009 Launch of the EFIC Global Readiness Index underlines need for Trade Finance
5 May 2009 Alcopops appeal denied in the Federal Court
16 April 2009 Item 50A – not gone and not forgotten
15 April 2009 Alcopops dispute fizzes out in the Federal Court
27 February 2009 Australia and New Zealand sign FTA with ASEAN Nations
12 February 2009 Chile FTA and SPARTECA TCF Local Content changes
20 January 2009

Montreal Convention

17 December 2008 CBFCA Member Update
4 December 2008 New Customs legislation affecting cargo reporters and those receiving goods under Customs’ control and a new role and name for Customs
26 November 2008 Final US 10 + 2 Rule Reports for duty
11 November 2008

Government releases details of new automotive industry plan

29 August 2008 Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN Countries Announced
31 July 2008 The demise of the Doha round and some immediate consequences
27 May 2008 FTA with Chile concluded
14 May 2008 CTT Budget consequences
25 March 2008 Government rolls out new legislation with impacts to industry
  

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