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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Season
While it was not too long ago that Australia reached the end of the 2022-23 BMSB season, we have approximately 6 weeks to go until the commencement of the 2023-24 season.
Importers should ensure that their suppliers are using treatment providers approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. These treatment providers are required to register each year to be eligible to perform these treatments. DAFF will be conducting online information sessions on 8th and 9th August to provide further information for providers wishing to register.
DAFF is finalising their review of the measures in preparation for the upcoming season and Harders will release this information as it is made available. Any significant changes from the measures implemented for the 2022-23 season will be highlighted.
In the meantime, importers wishing to know more about BMSB and alternative clearance pathways available for targeted goods are encouraged to speak with their account manager or Harders Advisory.
DAFF increase to Full Import Declaration Charges
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry released advice to industry (IAN 133-2023) to notify of an increase to the full import declaration charge as part of its cost recovery arrangement.
Each full import declaration lodged from 1st July 2023 will see a moderate increase of $5.
In addition, there will be small increases to the fees for inspections and permit applications lodged with the Department.
A full list of the new charges can be found by accessing the Industry Advice Notice here.
Luxury Car Tax thresholds for 2023-24
The Australia Border Force has issued Australian Customs Notice 2023/22 to advise of the 2023-24 luxury car tax thresholds.
The fuel-efficient vehicle threshold has increased from $84,916 to $89,332, while all other cars have seen an increase in the threshold from $71,849 to $76,950.
Further information regarding luxury car tax can be found at the following link.
Sea Freight Market Update
The raft of cancelled sailings is prevalent this month as shipping lines continue to adjust their capacity to meet the reduced demand with some brazenly removing vessels from Northeast Asia to and from the Australian trades and deploying these on other routes.
Shipping lines will take any necessary measures to ease the burden of high operational costs affecting their bottom line as Quarter 1 financial results are depicting a shocking picture with news that shipping line profits continue to plunge.
It is therefore no surprise that more aggressive action must take place to combat the oversupply after two recent failed attempts to restore freight levels via Rate Restoration announcements in May and June fell by the wayside.
With recent bookings rolling and space shortages being experienced due to continued cancellation of voyages and port omissions, confidence has once again resurfaced as carriers embraced the opportunity to announce another Rate Restoration to apply ex Northeast Asia to Australia on sailings departing 1st August 2023 at a quantum of USD 150 per TEU on top of the spot market FAK rates.
Major carriers are confident that this time these increases will gain more momentum as the A3C services run by (COSCO / ANL / OOCL) will blank sail in week 31 with news of the OOCL Canada going into dry dock and not being replaced, hence estimating space to be tight in the coming months as a more positive outlook on increased shipments is being forecasted.
We will continue to experience an ever changing market with carriers battling to stabilise freight rates by reducing their capacity as the Northeast Asia trade continues to experience a disparity between supply and demand.
We remind our valued customers that sailing schedules will continue to play a pivotal role in determining the most competitive options available to suit specific needs as carriers will be opportunistic and seize any opportunity to cancel more voyages if rates continue to be at loss-making levels.
This will be a challenge for all supply chains as no doubt delays will be inevitable on some trade lanes and two-to-three-week lead times for bookings will once again be detrimental for time-sensitive cargo.
With ever-changing market conditions, it is important to stay in close touch with our team of experienced professionals for them to guide you with the most price-competitive sailing options to suit your supply chain needs.
Landside Fee Increases at Hutchison & VICT Terminals
Landside fees for Hutchison Ports Australia (HPA) in Sydney and Brisbane and Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) in Melbourne are now in effect.
The landside Infrastructure Levy for HPA’s Sydney Terminal will rise by 8.16%, its Brisbane Terminal by 8.09% and VICT’s will rise by 10%.
Furthermore, Empty Parks and VSB fees have also increased across the country.