What is the Australian Trusted Trader programme?

The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) programme, administered by the ABF, accredits businesses with strong trade compliance practices. Benefits include reduced intervention and inspection rates, priority processing of goods, a dedicated account manager, and mutual recognition arrangements with partner countries. Your customs broker can help you prepare an application and maintain the required compliance standards.

What penalties apply for customs compliance failures in Australia?

The ABF can impose infringement notices, administrative penalties, and prosecutions for non-compliance with customs law. Penalties range from fixed-amount infringement notices for minor errors to significant fines for deliberate evasion. The Customs Act 1901 provides for penalties of up to AUD 340,000 for individuals and AUD 1.7 million for corporations for serious offences.

How long must I keep import and export records?

Under the Customs Act 1901, importers and exporters must retain all records relating to their transactions for five years from the date of the import or export entry. This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and correspondence. The ABF can request these records at any time during the retention period as part of a compliance audit.

What is a post-clearance audit by the ABF?

A post-clearance audit (PCA) is an examination of your import or export records by the ABF to verify compliance with customs law. The ABF selects businesses for audit based on risk profiling. Audits typically cover tariff classification, valuation, origin claims, and concession eligibility. Your broker can conduct internal pre-audits to identify and correct issues before the ABF reviews your records.

Trade Compliance Customs Brokers

114 Australian customs brokerages offer trade compliance services. Browse ABF-verified brokers, compare their credentials, and send a free enquiry to get started with trade compliance.

View with filters

Trade compliance encompasses the regulatory framework governing imports and exports, including customs law, sanctions, export controls, and industry-specific regulations. A broker offering trade compliance services helps businesses establish and maintain processes that meet their legal obligations under Australian customs law and avoid penalties from the ABF.

The ABF operates a risk-based compliance framework. Importers and exporters with strong compliance records benefit from faster processing and fewer inspections, while those with poor records face increased scrutiny. A trade compliance program typically covers correct tariff classification, accurate valuation of goods, proper origin determination, licence and permit management, and record-keeping obligations.

Customs brokers with compliance expertise can conduct internal audits of your import/export operations, identify areas of non-compliance or duty overpayment, and help you establish a Trusted Trader program application. The Australian Trusted Trader programme, administered by the ABF, provides accredited businesses with trade facilitation benefits including reduced intervention rates and priority processing.

20CUBE LOGISTICS PTY LTD

Fortitude Valley, QLD

5.0 (2)

Customs ClearanceFreight ForwardingDuty Drawback+8 more

Trade Compliance Customs Brokers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Trusted Trader programme?

What penalties apply for customs compliance failures in Australia?

How long must I keep import and export records?

What is a post-clearance audit by the ABF?

Related services