Simplified Trade System (STS) & the Australian Government
A push to increase physical cargo inspection rates – how will these alternate priorities work together?
As part of the Australian Government’s trade reform agenda, the development of STS has a strong government focus & is an exciting initiative.
Simple, smoother, faster, seems to be the message.
Somewhat contradictory to this is the Border Protection aspect of a new cargo intervention program, that will involve Aust Border Force (Customs) & Dep’t of Agriculture (Quarantine) increasing the inspection rates for import air & ocean cargo.
The Australian Border Force is developing this new model.
In a moment of rare transparent public commentary, ABF has acknowledged that the current operational model and resources of ABF & Dep’t of Ag won’t accommodate increased inspection rates without impact to the importing industry.
For those awaiting a quarantine inspection of imported cargo, you will know what we are talking about!
Any new model that has a balanced commercial & border protection focus will need to involve automation, technology, early intervention, and increased resources.
There is a lot of money needed for that to occur.
We will follow the discussion with interest and update accordingly.
