Australian Trusted Trader Program

As members will be aware, the Australian Trusted Trader Program (ATT) has been commented upon in a variety of forums and in most cases, little clarity exists for service providers as to participation.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has advised that service providers do not necessarily have to be accredited Trusted Traders for their clients to become accredited Trusted Traders and to receive available benefits which include Priority Trade Services, Differentiated Examination and a dedicated Account Manager. This is consistent with the voluntary participation principle that underpins all AEO/Trusted Trader programmes.

Following the Government’s approval and funding of an on-going programme in the 2016/17 Budget, the DIBP has begun to develop further benefits that will impact customs duty and ensure benefits are realised. However, these benefits will not be available for any Trusted Traders before the 2017/18 financial year, allowing time for all interested service providers to become accredited. As DIBP continues to grow and mature the ATT, it is possible that some benefits will only be offered to traders if all links in the supply chain are secure, for example, accessing a potential trans-Tasman Secure Trade Lane.

In regard to ATT participation, at present all eligible entities go through the same accreditation process as set out on the Trusted Trader website. As to any expression of interest in the ATT, members should familiarise themselves with all public available programme information (available on the DIBP website), in particular, the Self Assessment Questionnaire.

It is suggested members who have an interest in the ATT submit an application for the Trusted Trader Program to cover off their options for the future.

Further information is available from:

Trusted Trader & Industry Engagement Branch | Traveller, Customs and Industry Policy Division
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
E: Trusted Trader

Click HERE to view the latest Australian Trusted Trader Update.