Aluminium Windows and Doors from China - Significant New Anti-Dumping Securities Effective 15 October 2026
NEWS | GFS Ship sinks after missile attack, second ship sustains damage
Government Changes to Credit Card Surcharging
CHRISTMAS ORDERS - Get them in now to avoid missing out or delays!
Shipping Charges & Fees
Increased ABF Scrutiny of TCO Usage
Stockwells would like to remind clients of the documentation requirements when a Tariff Concession Order (TCO) or Tariff Advice is relied upon for an import declaration.
As highlighted in our recent market updates, we have seen heightened Australian Border Force (ABF) scrutiny and audit activity relating to customs declarations, including additional requests for supporting evidence where TCOs have been used.
In this environment, it is particularly important that the documentation supporting a TCO or Tariff Advice is provided with each applicable import entry and relates specifically to the goods being imported.
Documentation Required
Where a TCO is being applied, please provide:
an IDM, product brochure, technical specification sheet or equivalent supporting documentation; and
sufficient product information to demonstrate that the goods being imported exactly match the wording and specifications of the applicable TCO.
the ABF Tariff Advice decision letter; and
the supporting product information and evidence that was provided to ABF in obtaining that decision.
ABF Decision Letter and Supporting Evidence
Importantly, the ABF decision letter should always be accompanied by the supporting evidence relating to that decision.
The decision letter confirms ABF's determination, while the accompanying evidence identifies the product, specifications and characteristics upon which that determination was based.
ABF advises that goods claiming a TCO must be classified to the tariff classification to which the TCO is keyed and must precisely meet the TCO description. Penalties may apply where these requirements are not met.
Have Your Products Changed?
Please advise Stockwells if there have been any changes to the product, model, composition, specifications or characteristics, even where the same TCO or Tariff Advice has been relied upon previously.
ABF specifically cautions that changes to the properties or characteristics of goods, even small variations, may affect their continued eligibility for a TCO.
What We Ask of Our Clients
To support efficient customs clearance and minimise the potential for additional enquiries during an ABF review or audit, please ensure the relevant documentation is provided to Stockwells to keep on file.
Having complete and current product information available at the time of customs clearance allows our Customs Brokerage team to properly assess and support the concession being relied upon.
If you are unsure what documentation is required for your goods, please contact your Stockwells representative.
SYDNEY | DP WORLD Stop Work 28 October 2026
Please note that DP World Sydney will be having an authorised MUA stop work yard meeting from 1pm - 3pm on Wednesday 28th October 2026.
Terminal operations will cease during this period, with the yard operating at minimal capacity.
Updated Lithium Battery Shipment Requirements
To ensure the safe transport of lithium battery cargo and meet ocean carrier requirements, Stockwells will introduce updated acceptance procedures for applicable lithium battery shipments effective 15 November 2026.
What's Changing?
Mandatory Documentation All applicable lithium battery shipments will require a completed and signed Stockwells Lithium Battery Shipment Declaration and Acceptance Questionnaire prior to acceptance.
LCL SP188 Handling Fee A USD 175.00 handling fee will apply to qualifying LCL export shipments containing lithium batteries transported under Special Provision 188 (SP188).
Pre-Approval Required All lithium battery shipments must be reviewed and approved by both Stockwells and the nominated ocean carrier before cargo is delivered for shipment.
Disclose the presence of lithium batteries at the quotation or booking stage.
Provide complete battery specifications and shipment details.
Submit all requested documentation, including the completed questionnaire.
Ensure cargo is correctly classified, packaged, marked, labelled, and declared in accordance with applicable regulations.
Obtain shipment acceptance confirmation before delivering cargo.
Please note that incomplete or inaccurate information may result in shipment delays, additional charges, or refusal of cargo.
Supporting Documentation
Depending on the shipment, Stockwells may request:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
UN 38.3 Test Summary
Dangerous Goods Declaration (where applicable)
Product specifications and technical documentation
Photographs of batteries, products, and packaging
Evidence of SP188 compliance
Any additional documentation required by carriers or regulatory authorities
Action Required
To avoid delays and ensure compliance, we strongly encourage customers to declare lithium battery cargo and submit all required documentation as early as possible in the booking process.
For further information or assistance, please contact your Stockwells representative.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
Aluminium Windows and Doors from China - Significant New Anti-Dumping Securities Effective 15 October 2026
Stockwells has received the below notice regarding imported Aluminium Windows and Doors from China.
The Australian Trade Remedies Commission (ATRC) has issued Trade Remedies Notice (TRN) 2026/147, announcing a Preliminary Affirmative Determination (PAD 691) concerning alleged dumping and subsidisation of aluminium windows and doors exported from the People's Republic of China.
Effective 15 October 2026, securities are required on affected goods entered for home consumption in Australia, with rates ranging from 5.3% to 73.3%, depending on the exporter. No security applies to goods exported by Altop Facade Co., Ltd under this determination.
The investigation commenced on 25 November 2025 following an application by Ventora Group Pty Ltd and the Australian Glass and Window Association.
Preliminary dumping and subsidy margins
The ATRC advises that actual security liabilities may be higher than the effective rates shown, depending on the circumstances and applicable calculation methodology.
The introduction of these securities may result in substantial additional clearance costs for affected imports, including goods already purchased or in transit.
Next steps
The ATRC is required to provide its final recommendations to the Minister by 16 December 2026. The Minister will subsequently determine whether definitive dumping and countervailing measures should be imposed.
The current securities are interim measures pending the outcome of the investigation.
NEWS | GFS Ship sinks after missile attack, second ship sustains damage
Alison Koo | The Loadstar
Missiles struck two container ships in Global Feeder Shipping's (GFS) fleet in the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours, with one vessel subsequently sinking after catching fire.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said that the 2008-built 2,824 teu GFS Pride was damaged and caught fire before sinking. All of its 21 crewmen were evacuated, with no injuries reported.
The other ship, 2015-built 4,350 teu GFS Giselle, sustained hull damage but remained operational and proceeded under its own power to a safe anchorage. All 22 crew members were safe, and no injuries were reported.
Recent changes to government payment processing arrangements have resulted in government agencies no longer being permitted to recover credit card surcharge costs from customers. As a consequence, a number of government bodies have suspended the acceptance of credit card payments altogether.
In line with these changes, Stockwells will no longer be able to accept credit card payments for government charges, including:
Customs Duty
Import GST
Other government taxes, duties, levies and statutory charges
Alternative payment methods remain available, and our team will continue to assist clients in ensuring funds are received in time to avoid clearance delays.
We encourage clients to review their payment arrangements and speak with their Stockwells representative if they require assistance identifying the most suitable payment option.
Introduction of Compliance Administration Charge
The regulatory environment surrounding international trade continues to become increasingly complex. Customs brokers, freight forwarders and importers are facing greater compliance obligations than ever before as government agencies increase scrutiny of supply chains and importer responsibilities. This includes ongoing requirements associated with:
Australian Border Force (ABF) compliance
Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) obligations
Product classification and tariff management
Sanctions and trade control requirements
Record keeping and audit preparation
Supply chain security programs
Regulatory reporting and verification activities
These compliance activities occur behind the scenes on every shipment but require significant investment in systems, training, audits, security controls and specialist personnel to ensure cargo moves efficiently and in accordance with Australian regulations. As regulatory expectations continue to increase, so too does the administrative effort required to maintain compliance standards.
To assist in meeting these obligations and maintaining the high level of compliance and risk management our clients expect, Stockwells will introduce a Compliance Administration Charge of AUD $20.00 per shipment.
This charge will apply across all shipments effective from 12th October.
The charge supports the ongoing investment required to maintain customs compliance, border security obligations, Australian Trusted Trader accreditation, technology improvements, staff training, audit programs and regulatory governance activities that help protect our clients from unnecessary delays, penalties and compliance risks.
CHRISTMAS ORDERS - Get them in now to avoid missing out or delays!
Every year Stockwells reminds clients about the importance of placing your Christmas orders in early. This period is known for being volatile and price hikes are expected so to avoid this please speak to your Stockwells representative about getting your orders in early.
Brisbane Mailing Address Update
Please be advised that our Brisbane PO Box is no longer in operation.
All correspondence, mail and postal deliveries should be directed to our Brisbane office address:
Stockwell International
14 Litsea Street,
Brisbane Airport QLD 4008
To avoid any delays, please update your records accordingly and ensure all future mail is sent to the above address.
We're excited to introduce a range of enhancements to the Stockwells Track & Trace platform, helping you stay informed, connected and in control of your shipments every step of the way.
Inside Stockwells export operations: A Q&A with our export team
From global disruptions to new opportunities, discover how Stockwells is helping Australian exporters stay ahead in a rapidly changing trade landscape.
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