New Regulatory Measures to Facilitate and Streamline Trade
Reforms introduce ‘trust-based’ regulation
Australia’s prosperity relies on how quickly and easily businesses can trade internationally. The Australian
Government is committed to working with Australian industry to help foster and facilitate trade, enhance
detection of illegal trade activity and strengthen supply chain security.
In the context of an ever increasing volume of trade, the Australian Government has introduced three
significant reforms that streamline the way goods are cleared through our borders. A key concept that
underpins the reforms is that when businesses are formally accredited based on rigorous assessment of their
safety and security systems, regulators are able to reduce the requirement for additional scrutiny of individual
transactions.

On 1 July 2016, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIPB) introduced a new
voluntary trade facilitation initiative: The Australian Trusted Trader Programme. The Australian Trusted
Trader Programme will deliver a range of trade facilitation benefits for businesses that comply with
international standards for supply chain security and trade compliance. The program is open to all
businesses that have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have been operating in the international
supply chain for at least two years, including importers, exporters, and service providers such as ports,
brokers and freight companies.

On 1 November 2016, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, through its Office of
Transport Security (OTS), introduced a Known Consignor Scheme to assist businesses that produce or
manufacture goods for export by air to the United States meet new security requirements. From
1 July 2017, all US-bound air cargo must either originate from a Known Consignor or be security cleared
at piece-level.

On 16 June 2016, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources commenced working under the
Biosecurity Act 2015. The Biosecurity Act replaced the Quarantine Act 1908 and is designed to be
flexible and responsive to changes in technology and future challenges. The Biosecurity Act sets up new
requirements that affect how the biosecurity risks of goods, people and conveyances entering Australia are
managed, including a new model for Approved Arrangements.
The Australian Trusted Trader Programme, the Known Consignor Scheme and Approved Arrangements are
voluntary. Whether you choose to pursue accreditation is up to you—but it is important to consider the
benefits that accreditation may offer your business.
From 1 July 2017, all US-bound air cargo must either come from a Known Consignor or be cleared at piecelevel before uploading. The Known Consignor Scheme is not the only clearance pathway available and unless
your business sends a high volume of cargo to the US by air, you may find it more cost-effective to send your
goods to the United States through a freight forwarder approved to conduct piece-level examination.
New Regulatory Measures to Facilitate and Streamline Trade – November 2016
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Relevance of reforms by type of business
High/immediate
relevance
Australian Trusted
Trader
Known Consignor
Approved Arrangements



Businesses with an
ABN that have been
actively involved in
the international
supply chain for at
least 2 years
Businesses that
manufacture or
produce goods for
export by air to
the United States




Lesser relevance

No relevance



Businesses with an
ABN with less than 2
years’ experience in
the international
supply chain but may
attain this status in the
future
Businesses that do not 
have an ABN

Insolvent businesses
International aircraft
operators
Importers
Biosecurity Industry
Participants – holders of
Approved Arrangements
(formerly Quarantine
Approved Premises and
Compliance Agreements)
Shipping industry
participants and port
operators
Installations
Businesses that
manufacture or
produce goods for
export by air to
countries other
than the United
States
Business that
import goods
Businesses that
manufacture or
produce goods for
export by sea
Different objectives but a coordinated approach
The three reforms are driven by different priorities and legislative requirements and will be administered by
different departments.
To reduce the administrative burden on industry and provide an improved service to businesses interested in
becoming both an Australian Trusted Trader and Known Consigner, DIPB and OTS have established a
framework for effective collaboration, especially in the early stages of implementation. The intent is to avoid
collecting the same information more than once and to pursue opportunities for reducing, to the extent
possible, the potential business disruption associated with assessment of businesses seeking accreditation
under both reforms.
Departments will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, the extent to which a business’s existing status with
another regulatory authority may be recognised when assessing applications. For example, if your business
has an existing Approved Arrangement with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, your
current business practices under this arrangement may help you to meet some of the requirements for
accreditation as an Australian Trusted Trader or Known Consignor.
Further information
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Approved Arrangements
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Australian Trusted Trader
US-Bound Air Cargo Security Arrangements
New Regulatory Measures to Facilitate and Streamline Trade – November 2016
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