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

March 2011

ACCA 2011/04 - Improved Cargo Support website live

Through consultation and feedback, the new Cargo Support website will 'go live' on Wednesday 9 March 2011. The 'home' web address will remain the same at www.cargosupport.gov.au. You may need to update your favourites for frequently used pages as they may have changed.

View the advice

February 2011

ACCA 2011/03 - EDI Client Registrations

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service would like to announce the introduction of new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) messages within the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Client Registration messages have been developed to provide another option for ICS users to register clients in the ICS through EDI.

Read the advice

Compliance Update - February 2011

The latest Compliance update is now available. This outlines performance targets, statistics and information on Compliance requirements associated with import and export activities.

This can be found on the Complying with Customs and Border Protection website here.

Industry consultation on the Customs Amendment (Export Controls and Other Measures) Bill 2011

Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport undertook a joint review of the legal provisions and administrative framework of licensed depots, warehouses and Regulated Air Cargo Agents.

The joint review formed part of the Government’s response to the Independent Review of Airport Security and Policing for the Government of Australia (the Wheeler Report).

The exposure draft legislation, which will implement the outcomes of the joint review as well as respond to recommendations made in the ANAO report ‘Customs’ Cargo Management Re-engineering Project', is now available for comment.

To access the draft legislation and to obtain information on making a submission click here.

ACCA 2011/02 Digital Certificate Renewals

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service would like to remind digital certificate holders that there may be a requirement to complete a new Evidence of Identity (EOI) check on every third renewal of their digital certificate.

View the Advice

January 2011

AQIS S-Cargo Electronic Holds Project update

This notice is to advise industry of impending changes to the way AQIS manages hold and releases for sea cargo from countries on the AQIS Country Action List (CAL), previously known as the Giant African Snail (GAS) list. This notice will be of particular interest to shipping companies, stevedores, brokers, freight forwarders and all involved in the supply chain logistics for sea cargo.

For more information, please visit the AQIS website: http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/general-info/ian/11/09-2011

ACCA 2011/01 Preparation of documents for Self Assessed Clearances

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs and Border Protection) is undertaking a three month campaign to ensure that existing exemptions to pay GST and customs duty on certain imported goods under $1,000 are not being abused or exploited. This campaign commenced from the beginning of 2011. Customs and Border Protection wants to work towards minimising impact on industry and has issued an ACCA to assist you to assist us in doing this.

View the Advice

Urgent Customs clearance of emergency relief goods for Australia’s flood crisis

Customs and Border Protection is continuing to support its partner agencies during the Queensland and northern NSW flood crisis by urgently clearing emergency relief goods.

Customs and Border Protection has procedures in place to assist individuals and organisations during a crisis by ensuring all goods required to support the emergency are urgently processed.

Examples of emergency relief goods include:

health/medical supplies and equipment
public infrastructure equipment or other goods that serve an urgent public need
clean up equipment
food/blankets and other aids.

For assistance in urgently clearing emergency relief goods, please phone (02) 6275 6100.

December 2010

ACN 2010/56 - Introduction of Product Stewardship requirements for computers and televisions

This notice is to inform importers and Customs brokers about the development of Commonwealth legislation that will require commercial importers of televisions and computers to organise and fund the collection and recycling of television and computer waste.

To see the advice go to: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4408.asp

ACN 2010/53 - Changes to the Australian Harmonized Export Commodity Classification effective 1 January 2011

Australian Customs and Border Protection Notice 2010/53 outlines a summary of updated AHECC codes that become effective on 1 January 2011.

To see the advice go to: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4408.asp

ACN 2010/54: Additional substances added to Schedule 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956

Fourteen new substances have been added to Schedule 4 of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (the Regulations).
A valid licence and permit are now required to import these substances.

View the advice and list of substances here. http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4408.asp.

ACCA 2010/14 - Preview available of improved Cargo Support Website

In response to feedback from Industry and internal stakeholders, Customs and Border Protection has developed an improved Cargo Support website. The new improved website will run in conjunction with the current website and will replace the current site in early 2011. To view the new improved page go to http://www.cargosupport.gov.au/pages/default.asp.