New Customs & Global Trade Lead Appointed

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New Customs & Global Trade Lead Appointed

National law firm Hunt & Hunt announced today the appointment of Partner, Russell Wiese to lead the firm’s Customs and Global Trade team. Wiese brings a broad range of expertise-having built his career in Government, a ‘big four’ advisory firm and through previous roles at Hunt & Hunt.

“Now is the perfect time to re-join Hunt & Hunt. The firm has an established China office and Interlaw network –which assists clients both on a national and global basis. This link is crucial to fully assist clients with anti-dumping investigations,” said Wiese.

Wiese has a strong focus on helping clients to proactively manage customs risks and opportunities, including opportunities to reduce supply chain costs.

“The diversity of experience our team provides helps clients be competitive within an increasingly complex global trade environment. Russell provides strategic and commercially astute advice to meet a range of our client’s requirements,” said Hunt & Hunt Partner, Nick Miller, who heads the firm’s National Corporate and Business Advisory Group.

According to Wiese, the sector faces constant change. “Currently, there is an increased focus on the transfer pricing policy of multinationals and the relationship between transfer pricing and customs valuation. This is a complex area with no easy solution. Australia is leading the way on aligning income tax and customs duty valuation issues but there is a lot of work still to be done,” said Wiese.

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Additionally, customs compliance has never been more important. “We have recently seen an increase in the amount of penalties that can be imposed for strict liability offences and an increase in the circumstances where Australian Customs can issue penalties without commencing a Court proceeding,” said Wiese.

Furthermore, a ‘trusted trader’ scheme is once again on the agenda of Australian Customs. Qualification for such schemes always includes a requirement for a proven record of compliance.

Hunt & Hunt is well-placed to advise clients on these issues and their impacts for Australian and international businesses. Wiese said, “As a team, our first goal will be to help our clients navigate the challenges associated with Global Trade.

Working with an established and experienced team who are passionate about Global Trade is an ideal fit for me and will always result in better client outcomes.