Streamlined trade is now a step closer for Australian businesses with the launch of the highly anticipated Australian Trusted Trader pilot programme.

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash unveiled the programme on 8 July 2015 and confirmed the first four industry participants – Boeing Aerostructures Australia, Devondale Murray Goulburn, Mondelez Australia and Techwool Trading.

The Department [of Immigration and Border Protection] has been working very closely with industry to design a programme that will ensure that Australian businesses are as economically competitive as possible,” Minister Cash said.

The Australian Logistic Council estimates that as much as $1.5 billion can be saved for every one per cent increase in efficiency of transport and logistics supply chains. These savings will flow directly and indirectly to industry and the Australian economy.

The programme will also increase the security and certainty of Australian trade by offering trade facilitation incentives to businesses that demonstrate secure and compliant supply chain practices.

Australian Trusted Trader is built on the dual pillars of security and trade facilitation - this is pioneering work, as many similar programmes overseas focus only on one or the other,” Minister Cash said.

The programme will build resilience against organised crime groups and terrorism while simultaneously fostering active partnerships with industry and encouraging economic growth through tailored trade benefits and red tape reduction.”

Having just returned from China, I welcome the close trade ties between our countries. In this age of globalisation, working together with our international partners through programmes such as Australian Trusted Trader will help build connected borders.”

“Australia must not be left behind. China's other key trading partners all operate similar programmes, and Australia must maintain a programme to build closer cooperation and reduce barriers to trade.”

Benefits being pursued for accredited Australian Trusted Traders include expedited border clearance, reduced or priority inspections, priority access to trade services, and a dedicated account manager. Mechanisms for the delivery of other benefits, including duty deferral and streamlined reporting arrangements, are also being explored.

In addition, Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection is pursuing Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with key trading countries. By establishing MRAs with partner customs agencies, Australian Trusted Traders can access benefits overseas under other Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Trusted Trader style programmes.

To facilitate MRA negotiations, the ATT will be compatible with equivalent international programmes.

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Photos:

1. Australia’s Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash unveiling the Australian Trusted Trader pilot programme on 8 July 2015.

2. Australia’s Comptroller-General of Customs Roman Quaedvlieg during his speech at the launch of the Australian Trusted Trader pilot programme.