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.
.png?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=STOCKWELLS%20SOCIAL%20TEMPLATES%20(20).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=520&upscale=true&name=STOCKWELLS%20SOCIAL%20TEMPLATES%20(21).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=STOCKWELLS%20SOCIAL%20TEMPLATES%20(12).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=STOCKWELLS%20SOCIAL%20TEMPLATES%20(13).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=320&upscale=true&name=STOCKWELLS%20SOCIAL%20TEMPLATES%20(14).png)
