Important Notice - Timely Provision of Import Documents for Australian Clearance
DAFF Messaging Delays
Stockwells Easter Office Closures
Easter Long Weekend - Terminal Operations Update
Patrick Brisbane Terminal Shutdown | 8th April 2026
Update on Port of Dampier following impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle
EU Customs Reform - Changes to Low-Value Imports from 1 July 2026
Charity Partner Highlight
Fuel Surcharge Increase Notice | Middle East Conflict Impacts
Shipping Charges & Fees
Happy Easter from all the Management and staff from Stockwells.
We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Easter holiday.
Important Notice – Timely Provision of Import Documents for Australian Clearance
Dear Valued Client,
We would like to remind all clients of the critical importance of providing complete and accurate shipping documentation in a timely manner for imports into Australia.
We are increasingly receiving documentation late, which is resulting in delayed customs lodgements, clearance disruptions, and a higher likelihood of Australian Border Force (ABF) intervention. These issues not only impact cargo release but may also affect importer compliance records with ABF.
As participants in the international supply chain, all parties operate at key control points. As the consignee/importer, it is your responsibility to provide documents in sufficient time to allow compliant and timely lodgment. This is a risk the consignee must mitigate.
Late or incomplete documentation increases the risk of:
ABF examination or compliance intervention
instructions to move containers underbond
clearance delays and additional costs
Please note that any ABF intervention, underbond movements, storage, or related charges arising from late documentation will be for the importer’s account.
As an Australian Trusted Trader and licensed customs broker, Stockwells is committed to maintaining the integrity of international trade and meeting regulatory expectations. We can only do so where documentation is received prior to vessel arrival, allowing adequate time for review and accurate declaration.
We therefore request your ongoing cooperation to ensure all required documents including commercial invoice, packing list, final released Bill of Lading, and any permits or certificates are provided as early as possible and no later than prior to arrival in Australia.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and your continued cooperation. Please contact us if you require clarification on documentation requirements or lead times.
DAFF Messaging Delays
DAFF has released an Import System Notification advice regarding the ongoing messaging delays.
"Due to an unplanned service disruption to AIMS, email releases, directions, service records, Food Control Certificates, Food inspection advices, and failed food notices are failing to send. These emails will queue and send once the issue is resolved.
Users waiting to receive the above listed documents via email will not be receiving them.
This issue is under investigation by the Department and will advise once the issue has been resolved."
Stockwells Easter Office Closures
Please note that all Stockwell Offices will be closed on the Easter public holidays.
Dates closed:
- Good Friday, 3rd April 2026
- Easter Monday, 6th April 2026
For any transport questions, please contact your Key Account Manager or Customer Service Representative.
Easter Long Weekend - Terminal Operations Update
Brisbane – Fisherman Islands
DP World Brisbane
Open 24/7 across the entire Easter long weekend (Good Friday 3/4 to Monday 6/4).
Import free time and export receival dates include all Easter public holidays.
Carriers are encouraged to utilise available capacity across all days.
Please note: No additional slots will be issued during peak weekday dayshift periods (Mon–Fri).
DP World Brisbane will also operate 24 hours on Anzac Day – Saturday 25/4.
Hutchison Ports Brisbane
Yard operations 0600–2200 from Mon 30/3 to Thu 2/4.
Terminal closed Fri 3/4 to Mon 6/4 (vessel operations only, as required).
Yard operations resume Tue 7/4 to Sat 11/4 (0600–2200).
Sun 12/4: Closed.
Slot drop times apply—please plan bookings accordingly.
Melbourne
DP World West Swanson
Open Saturday 28/3 (day shift only) – last truck entry 13:15, gates close 14:00.
Road operations resume Sunday 29/3 from 14:00 with continuous operations thereafter.
Carriers are encouraged to maximise use of all available shifts to avoid congestion, late receivals, and storage charges.
Further Easter operational updates to follow.
Fremantle
DP World Fremantle – Easter R&D Hours
Fri 3/4: Closed
Sat 4/4 – Mon 6/4: 0600–1400
Mon 6/4: Additional night shift 2200–0600
Tue 7/4: Normal operations resume
Import free time and export receivals will align with operating hours—please monitor OneStop for updates.
Sydney
DP World Sydney – Easter Slot Releases
Mon 30/3: Double release for Wed 1/4 & Thu 2/4
Tue 31/3: Double release for Fri 3/4 & Sat 4/4
Wed 1/4: Double release for Sun 5/4 & Mon 6/4
Thu 2/4: Double release for Tue 7/4 & Wed 8/4
Tue 7/4: Standard release for Thu 9/4
Patrick Brisbane Terminal Shutdown | 08 April 2026
Stockwells would like clients to be aware that Patrick, Fisherman Islands Terminal, will cease all ship and yard operations between 0700 – 2300 on Wednesday 8th April 2026 to conduct yard infrastructure and system maintenance.
Update on Port of Dampier following impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
As of 9:00am Saturday 28th March, the Port of Dampier has reopened, however the inspection revealed "significant asset damage across the Pilbara Ports general cargo precinct which was caused by destructive winds, wave uplift forces, swell and storm surge".
Although the port has reopened, all general cargo import operations in Dampier will remain temporarily suspended, and access to the port is restricted to key personnel.
The Port of Ashburton and associated facilities will be inspected as soon as it is safe for teams to do so. The Port of Ashburton will remain closed until the inspections have been completed."
EU Customs Reform - Changes to Low-Value Imports from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the European Union will introduce significant changes to the treatment of low‑value imports (≤ €150.00) under its wider EU Customs Reform programme. These reforms will materially change how low‑value consignments are cleared and charged at the EU border.
Key changes include:
Removal of the €150.00 de minimis duty exemption, meaning all goods entering the EU will be subject to customs duties.
Introduction of a €3.00 customs duty per item for consignments under €150.00 cleared using the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme.
For non‑IOSS shipments, standard customs duties will apply based on the applicable tariff classification.
VAT treatment remains unchanged — all goods imported into the EU will continue to be subject to VAT under existing rules.
A mandatory product identifier is expected to be introduced to improve traceability and regulatory compliance.
The European Commission is also considering an EU‑wide handling fee for low‑value imports, which may be implemented at a later stage (potentially late 2026).
What this means for shippers
These reforms represent a fundamental shift in the handling of low‑value goods and will have downstream impacts across supply chains, particularly for e‑commerce and high‑volume parcel movements:
Increased landed costs: The removal of the duty‑free threshold will directly increase costs on low‑value shipments.
Greater importance of IOSS: IOSS registration may become more critical to simplify duty and VAT collection and improve clearance efficiency.
Higher data and compliance requirements: New product identifier requirements will increase the level of information needed at the time of customs lodgement.
Increased processing complexity: A greater number of consignments will require full customs treatment, adding administrative burden for customs brokers and logistics providers.
E‑commerce model adjustments: Sellers may need to review pricing strategies, checkout processes and delivery terms to reflect the revised duty and customs cost structures.
Stockwells will continue to monitor the implementation of these reforms and provide further guidance as more detail becomes available. Please contact your Stockwells representative if you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your shipments or compliance strategy.
Friends with Dignity Fundraising Luncheon
Charity Partner Highlight
Friends with Dignity is dedicated to helping adults and children who have experienced domestic and family violence rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and renewed hope. Through practical support and compassionate care, they make a real and lasting difference for those most in need.
This special event is raising funds for a vital and urgent goal, the purchase of an $80,000 delivery truck. This essential vehicle will enable Friends with Dignity to meet the growing demand for their services, ensuring vital furniture, household goods and support reach families when they need it most.
By purchasing a ticket, you’re not just attending a luncheon, you’re directly helping survivors take meaningful steps towards stability, healing and a brighter future. Your support will create tangible impact and help change lives.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday 13th June 2026
Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm
Location: The Pullman, King George Square, Brisbane
Fuel Surcharge Increase Notice | Middle East Conflict Impact
We wish to advise that the current conflict in the Middle East is having a direct impact on fuel pricing and supply markets, which in turn is impacting logistics and transport operations globally.
Given fuel is a core cost component across all transport services, these conditions require us to actively manage fuel-related cost recovery. Due to the ongoing volatility and rapidly changing environment, we will be reviewing fuel movements on a weekly basis to ensure pricing remains aligned with current market conditions.
Effective Monday, 16th March 2026, we will be increasing our fuel surcharge weekly. This adjustment is necessary to reflect the current fuel market and to ensure the continuity and reliability of services.
To provide transparency and consistency, we will issue fuel surcharge updates each Friday within the shipping charges section, advising if any changes are applicable for the following week.
Please be assured that we will continue to monitor the situation closely and apply adjustments only where required. Our intention remains to manage impacts responsibly while maintaining service levels and operational stability.
Should you wish to discuss this further or require additional detail, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Stockwells Air Freight Portal
Stockwells’ has introduced its new airfreight portal that will allow clients to directly book courier services themselves to fast track the process. If you would like more information contact your KAM or CSR
Domestic Transport Portal
Our domestic transport service was developed, seamlessly integrating into the user-friendly Domestic Transport Portal (DTP). This service connects customers to Stockwells extensive network of carriers, offering a range of benefits and logistics efficiencies.If you would like more information contact your KAM or CSR
Custom clearance tips to save time and money on your import
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Navigating the 2025 freight forwarding peak season
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Key shipping terms deep dive: CFR vs CIF When it comes to freight forwarding, details are important. Incoterms are no exception. Incoterms are terms of sale recognised across the globe used to define the responsibilities of parties involved with international transactions.
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