ChAFTA webinar - ongoing issues  (TNF 2016/039)


The CBFCA, in conjunction with Andrew Hudson of Gadens, has provided members with significant information on the China – Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).  This has included

  • Member forums on ChAFTA on the commercial aspects of ChAFTA
  • Presentations on the content of ChAFTA at State Conventions during 2015
  • A webinar immediately prior to the commencement of ChAFTA at Regional Conventions during 2015
  • Member Forums on implementation issues on ChAFTA in conjunction with the DIBP in February 2016
Additional guidance regarding ChAFTA has also been provided by the CBFCA, DFAT and DIBP

However, as would be expected with such a significant FTA, there have been a number of practical and legal issues associated with the implementation of ChAFTA. 

The issue of most significant concern has been that relating to discrepancies in how the goods are described on Certificates of Origin from China when compared to the Full Import Declaration (FID) being completed by the licensed customs broker acting for the importer. Article 3.17 of ChAFTA does provide that so long as the origin of the goods is not in question then minor transcription errors or differences should not invalidate a claim of preference or deny a refund application. A similar consideration should apply in relation to the imposition of penalties so that there should not be penalties for such “minor discrepancies”.

The CBFCA had received some original guidance on this issue, including during the Member Forums in February 2016 , and had pressed the DIBP and ABF for written advice as to what would, or would not, be minor errors to aid members and their clients.  Such written advice is about to be issued by the DIBP and given the importance of ChAFTA and this issue, the CBFCA has decided to take members through the written advice from the DIBP via a webinar,  the details of which are as follows:

Date: Wednesday 26 October at 1300 hours (MEL/SYD)

Duration: 60 minutes

Presenters: John Chambers and Andrew Hudson 

CPD points: 3 CPD points in Stream A

Further information about accessing the webinar will be provided early next week. 

As always, if you have any queries or questions, please don't hesitate to ask the Training Team via email or by phone on (07) 3256 0146


Regards

Bill Murphy
Manager Professional Development and Training