February 2016 – newsletter
ChAFTA: 30 Days On CBFCA Australia – Update (NNF 2016/003)
All New shipments should now have COO’s issued from all suppliers.
Please contact the Orbit Logistics Customs Team for further assistance as required –customs@orbitlogistics.com.au | 03 9330 2625
China Australia Free Trade Agreement – Update (NNF 2016/003)
Are there realistic solutions to meet export container weight regulations?
FTA – Paul Zalai
As from 1 July 2016 the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will begin implementing the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention amendments relating to verifying container weight. This requirement will be introduced on an international basis and will affect all Australian exporters and those working with them in their logistics chain.
At a recent meeting hosted by AMSA, it was explained that industry can satisfy the regulations by one of the following two methods:
- Weighing the packed container;
- Calculating the mass weight of the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment and/or systems.
The Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) reported from the meeting that the entity that completes the Pre-Receival Advice (PRA) will be treated as the “shipper”.
Current practices are that the PRA is usually completed by the freight forwarder using data provided by the exporter. Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has sought clarification from AMSA whether this is the intent of the policy and has recommended further engagement to establish an appropriate chain of responsibility outcome.
Other concerns raised by FTA members and communicated to AMSA include:
- What proof of weight verification would be required using “method 1″?
- How many public weighbridges are available nationally and what are the hours of operation?
- Many in the industry will use weighbridges that are in the vicinity of the port precinct making it difficult to provide a timely notification on a PRA. If utilising weighbridges what is the time frame for supplying data to the stevedore?
- How does this policy tie in with state based road regulation? Whilst the use of weighbridges will satisfy SOLAS requirements the threat of overweight containers on our roads remain. Is the only viable option to weigh the container onsite at the export location or to use “method 2″?
The frequency of “last minute” packing and delivery of exports will need review with the need for more disciplines throughout the supply chain. The result will be safer sea voyages with the likely outcome of increased expenses in domestic costs for Australian exporters.
If we are serious about this, we clearly need innovative technology solutions that will allow transport operators to be able weigh containers upon loading or some other way to cost effectively weigh whole containers at the point of export.
Source: BISON Container Weighing Jacks
AMSA will be presenting “Road Shows” early in 2016 to provide further information on the introduction of the regulations and acceptable calculative methods.
Discussion Paper Verifying Container Weight amendments.pdf
Hapag-Lloyd_Flyer_Every_ton_counts_15102015.pdf
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Melbourne – Full imports down but full exports are up
Lloyd’s List Australia – Jim Wilson (Syndey)
Photo: Picture supplied by the Port of Melbourne Corporation
LATEST stats from the Port of Melbourne show that the numbers of full overseas container imports stood at 84,012 teu in December 2015, a 4.6% fall on December 2014.
According to the port: “Several commodities posted monthly increases included textiles, rubber manufactures, chemical products, clothing, essential oils, plastic ware, scrap metal and vehicle parts. Commodities with the most notable declines were miscellaneous manufactures, furniture, electrical equipment and toys & sporting goods.”
Meanwhile, partially offsetting that fall, were full overseas container exports in December 2015, which rose 2.1% against the December 2014 figure to stand at 56,551 teu.
“Several commodities recorded gains for the month including timber, processed vegetables, zinc, paperboards, raw cotton, hay & chaff and milk powder. Commodities with the most notable declines were barley, meat, glass & glassware, scrap metal and paper & newsprint,” the Port stated.
Imports by region overwhelmingly originated from “East Asia” for the month, with 38,448 general boxes and 3,158 reefer import boxes recorded.
A long-way behind in second-place were boxes from South East Asia at 13,560 teu in total and in marginally in third place were boxes from Europe at 12,586 teu.
It was a similar story in the export volumes with first place again going to East Asia at 40,677 teu, followed some way behind by South East Asia at 24,818 teu and, a long way behind, the South Pacific in third place at 9,247 teu.