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Stockwells logistics news report

Friday 8th May, 2026

In this news report:

Notice: Deferred GST Scheme for Importers

Important Notice - Timely Provision of Import Documents for Australian Clearance

Fuel Surcharge Increase Notice | Middle East Conflict Impacts

Shipping Charges & Fees

Notice: Deferred GST Scheme for Importers

Registered importers are reminded of the ABF Deferred GST Scheme, which allows eligible businesses to defer payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on taxable imports until their next Business Activity Statement (BAS) is due.

Overview

The Deferred GST (DGST) Scheme is a joint initiative of the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It enables approved importers to delay paying GST at the time of importation, helping to improve cash flow by postponing GST payments until BAS lodgement.

Key Features

Eligibility: Importers must be registered for GST and meet specific eligibility criteria, including compliance history requirements. Members of a GST group must ensure their nominated representative is also registered for the scheme.
GST Deferral: GST on taxable imports is deferred until the 21st day of the month following importation. GST is not paid upfront on release of goods and can be offset against input tax credits (ITCs) when the BAS is lodged.
Application Process: Eligible businesses must complete an online application to confirm eligibility and register for the scheme.
Cash Flow Benefits: Deferring GST payments removes the need to fund GST at the time of import, reducing financial pressure and improving liquidity.

Further Information

Importers are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and application process via official ABF and ATO resources to determine whether the Deferred GST Scheme is suitable for their business.

Deferral of GST when importing goods

Deferred GST scheme | Australian Taxation Office

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.

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, 16^th 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

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Download here-May-08-2026-03-58-59-0675-AM

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