As anticipated and detailed in our in our eAlert dated 15 May 2013, the Coalition has adopted the previous Government's 2013/14 Budget plan to increase import processing charges.

The Import Processing Charges Amendment Bill 2013 was introduced into Parliament late last week and imposes massive increases on the charges for goods valued over $10,000 when imported into Australia, whether by air, sea or post.

If the Bill is passed within the expected timeframe (which is highly likely, as it is a measure originally proposed by the Federal Opposition) the new charges will come into effect on 1 January 2014.

For more details on the changes, see our eAlert Government announces massive increase in import processing charge in 2013/14 Budget – and more dumping legislation.

This legislation will also be discussed at the CBFCA Legal Members Forum to be conducted by us in December.

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