International Trade News for June 2024
View previous months:
UPDATE: Deferral of Australia Biosecurity Protection Levy
Please note that the biosecurity clearance charges have now been deferred until October. More updates to follow on further confirmation.
The Australian Government is introducing a new Biosecurity Protection Levy
As part of the Australian government’s 2023-24 Sustainable Biosecurity Funding budget package, the decision to extend cost recovery to low-value goods ($1000 or less) was announced. This included additional budget funding for biosecurity and the introduction of a Biosecurity Protection levy to be applied to primary producers from 1st July 2024.
This self-assessed clearance (SAC) Cost Recovery Charge will apply to all SAC goods imported into Australia from 1st July 2024. The proposed rate is AUD0.36 per SAC and the reporting party that makes the SAC declaration in ICS will be liable to collect and pay this charge.
The SAC Charge applies to long form, short form and Cargo report SACs on both sea and air pathways.
What does this mean for you?
Starting 1st July 2024, we will be required to collect AUD0.36 for every LVG parcel shipped into Australia. This will be invoiced to you as per your normal billing cycle.
Further information and updates on the SAC Charge can be found on https://www.agriculture.gov.au/
Enhanced Choice & Seamless Support – Priorities for Australian Digital Shoppers
In the competitive landscape of international eCommerce, providing an exceptional digital experience is paramount. Recent findings reveal that 53% of Australian consumers are likely to switch brands due to poor digital interactions. Surprisingly, the tendency to switch brands is prominent among millennials, Gen X, and boomers, with a notable rate of 56%.
This trend mirrors global consumer behaviour, emphasising the importance of intuitive, personalised and engaging online experiences.
For eCommerce businesses, investing in advanced technologies and user-centric design is crucial. Focusing on seamless navigation, responsive customer support, and tailored recommendations can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Source: ecommercenews.com.au
Upcoming European Events – June to September 2024
We would like to inform you about potential impacts on parcel delivery services during upcoming events in Europe.
Please take note of the following dates and details:
Euro 2024 Germany: 14th June – 14th July
Temporary restrictions on match days are to be expected in all host cities: Gelsenkirchen, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dortmund.
Tour de France: 29th June – 21st July
During the Tour de France, certain cities will have limited accessiblity. This may affect our ability to collect and deliver parcels in these areas. Here is the detailed list of all impacted postcodes.
Wandel4daagse Nijmegen: 16th July – 19th July
The annual walking event in Nijmegen will impact parcel collection and delivery in and around Nijmegen. For the city centre of Nijmegen, this restriction will also apply for the entire week prior to the event. For affected areas and routes, please refer to the information available on https://www.4daagse.nl/en/routes
Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris: 24th July – 8th September
During the Paris Olympics, various streets and neighbourhoods will be closed or poorly accessible, which might cause some delays. Please see information on restricted areas: https://events.parisinfo.com/adherents/comment_circuler_dans_paris_en.pdf
What USA CBP Enforcement Changes Mean For UK eCommerce Businesses
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intensified its efforts to ensure compliance within the de minimis environment, which covers small shipments valued under $800. For UK eCommerce businesses, this means stricter scrutiny on small package shipments to the US.
Non-compliance could lead to the suspension of customs brokers, potentially delaying shipments. UK businesses need to ensure their US import procedures are fully compliant with CBP regulations to avoid disruptions and maintain smooth trade operations.
If you need help with paperless trade and fast commercial customs clearance, GFS International offers the right solutions. Our services ensure seamless shipping to the USA, providing comprehensive support to navigate customs and compliance efficiently.