More than 412 Australian businesses are now accredited Trusted Traders with 39 new businesses announced at the 2019 Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Symposium in Brisbane.
The Symposium provides an opportunity for Australian businesses to engage directly with the program's decision makers and shape the future direction of ATT.
ATT recognises businesses with a secure supply chain and compliant trade practices, and rewards them with a range of exclusive trade facilitation benefits.
In an address at the Symposium's gala dinner, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood, reflected on the ongoing success of the program and the mutual benefits to both the public and private sector.
"With the announcement of three additional benefits for accredited Trusted Traders, the program continues to deliver a wide range of benefits designed to facilitate trade and increase the competitiveness of Trusted Traders abroad," Assistant Minister Wood said.
The program reduces red tape for Trusted Traders at the border, improves certainty in export markets, and expedites the flow of their cargo in and out of Australia, allowing faster access to market.
"As one of 77 Authorised Economic Operator programs around the world, ATT aligns with the World Customs Organization guidelines for secure supply chains and trade compliance practices," Assistant Minister Wood said.
Australian Border Force Acting Commissioner, Justine Saunders APM, said the ATT program is an example of what can be achieved when Government partners with industry, and is a demonstration of the mutual benefits we can obtain through these partnerships.
"As we add more benefits—and businesses can see the tangible benefits of their Trusted Trader status—more businesses will seek accreditation to make the most of the competitive advantages the program offers." Acting Commissioner Saunders said.
New benefits for Trusted Traders
Reduced Red Tape – For importers, red tape has been considerably reduced when claiming preferential tariff treatment under Free Trade Agreements with Chile, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
Origin Waiver – The origin waiver benefit exempts Trusted Traders from providing documentary evidence of origin, reducing the administrative burden of obtaining this evidence, and reducing the costs associated with certification.
Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) – The full implementation of Mutual Recognition with two of Australia's largest trading partners; Singapore and Taiwan. Giving Trusted Traders access to a total of 7 MRAs with partnering regions. MRAs increase predictability in border processing, reduces regulatory burden and gives Trusted Traders faster access to foreign markets.
In order to access the benefits of the program you must be an accredited Trusted Trader. Businesses who are not yet accredited Trusted Traders are encouraged to apply by visiting
www.abf.gov.au/trustedtrader.