Cargo Support

This site contains information about the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) for new clients and the processes involved in setting up to use the ICS. You will also find information on the processes and policy that support the movement and clearance of import and export cargo. This site includes regular communication about ICS enhancements and functionality as well as policy and process changes.

Latest news

May 2013

ACCA 2013/04 - Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) and use with the ICS

This Advice provides direction on the use of Internet Explorer 10 with the ICS.

To view the advice click here.

ACCA 2013/03 - ICS Business Continuity Planning – Document Lifespan

This Advice provides directions on the lifespan of a Business Continuity Document provided during a BCP scenario:

To view the advice click here.

April 2013

Customs Legislation changes commenced 31 March 2013

The Customs Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Act 2013 received Royal Assent on
30 March 2013. All measures in Parts 2 to 9 of the Act have now commenced with the exception of the new ‘restricted goods’ offence in Part 1 of the Act which commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.

Further details are available in ACN 2013/17.

March 2013

New Customs laws to strengthen the supply chain against criminal infiltration

On Wednesday 20^th March 2013, the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon Jason Clare MP, introduced the Customs and AusCheck Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Other Measures) Bill 2013 into Parliament.

The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Customs Act 1901 (Customs Act) and the AusCheck Act 2007 to mitigate vulnerabilities at Australia’s borders. The Bill forms the latest part of a package of measures to deter and prevent infiltration by serious and organised crime into Australia’s seaports, airports and cargo supply chain.

You can find further information and links to the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum on the Customs and Border Protection website here.

The Customs Amendment (Enhancing Customs Control) Bill 2013

The Customs Amendment (Enhancing Customs Control) Bill 2013 is available for public comment. The proposed amendments makes it clear that ships and aircraft in Australia to undertake maintenance, repairs or refurbishment are taken to be imported and therefore subject to section 68 of the Customs Act. The proposed amendments also make it clear that while ships and aircraft are subject to a notice under s.49A, they are subject to Customs control. Interested parties are invited to make submissions by Thursday 7 March 2013.

View more information and the exposure draft here.

ACCA 2012/19 ICS messaging issues related to refund holds

This Australian Customs Cargo Advice (ACCA) refers to the ICS currently experiencing issues in the refunds environment related to outbound messages for import declaration amendments resulting in a refund hold.

For more information click here.

February 2013

1 March Schedule 4 By-law Changes

New Schedule 4 By-law working pages are available at:
http://www.customs.gov.au/tariff/tariff2012.asp

More information is available at:
http://www.customs.gov.au/tariff/schedule-4.asp

New Schedule 4 to take effect on 1 March 2013

ACBP Notice 2013/07 relating to Implementation of the Customs Tariff Amendment (Schedule 4) Act 2012 - Arrangement for Customs By-laws and Other Instruments is available on the Customs website.

For details refer to ACN 2013/07.

January 2013

CCF Weekly Updates

The Cargo Support website now has a page to provide a weekly update of what is occurring around CCF improvements and issues. This page will be updated on Tuesdays each week and contains technical content.

The link is http://www.cargosupport.gov.au/site/ccf_updates.asp

CPI adjustments - Operative on and from 1 February 2013

Rates of duty for certain spirits, beer and tobacco products will increase from 1 February 2013.

The new rates of duty are available at: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/WebSiteMessageCPIFeb2013.pdf.

Further information will be available from Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice (ACN 2013/3).

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) Release 12.4.02

Integrated Cargo System (ICS) release 12.4.02 is scheduled to be available in the Production environment on 3 February 2013. The INDUSTRY TEST release will occur tonight 22 January 2013. Testing of new functionality introduced in 12.4.02 can begin in the IND TEST environment from tomorrow.

The following documentation that relates to the release can be viewed at the following links:

Release Notes 12.4.02 - http://www.cargosupport.gov.au/site/page5817.asp

ACCA 2013/02 - http://www.cargosupport.gov.au/notices/acca/acca.asp

ACCA 2013/01 Changes to Customs Information & Support Centre (CI&SC) hours of operation

This Australian Customs Cargo Advice (ACCA) refers to the upcoming changes to the hours of operation of the CI&SC. These changes will take effect from Sunday 10 February 2013