Australian Trusted Trader Program

The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program is a government initiative that accredits importers, exporters, and service providers (like Freight Forwarders / Customs Brokerages) who demonstrate secure supply chains and high compliance with customs regulations.

The key aim is to streamline and facilitate trade and to enhance supply chain security. Australian Trusted Trader will offer Trusted Traders benefits that reward better supply chain management and help businesses forge new global trade links and operate with greater certainty.

Once accredited, businesses gain access to a suite of benefits, which may include:

• An Account Manager – to help improve your compliance and resolve border clearance issues.
• Priority processing at the Border – As an ATT, you’re seen as lower risk at the border. This means faster customs processing, fewer interventions and priority processing for cargo examinations, resulting in you receiving your cargo faster.
• Priority processing rulings and streamlined duty drawback and refund applications. This includes advance rulings in relation to tariffs, valuation and origin, advance ruling reviews, duty drawback claims, and refund and remission applications for customs import duty.
• Use of the ATT Logo – This logo is internationally recognised, building confidence in your business and the supply chains security.
• Mutual Recognition Arrangements – If you export to the following 11 countries (Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand), as an ATT, you will receive trade facilitation benefits at these countries borders, providing faster access to international markets.
• Prevent fraud – You’ll be able to download monthly reports showing all imports and exports reported under your ABN. A great way of spotting another entity reporting fraudulently against your ABN (this is called Piggy Backing).
• Less Import Processing Charges – when importing Consolidated Cargo, you only pay that charge once, instead of separate charges for each supplier.
• Deferral of Duty – If you already defer GST, you can also defer Duty as an ATT on most goods to a consolidated monthly payment instead. Increasing your businesses cashflow and reducing administration time.
• Origin Advance Ruling – ATT’s are allowed to apply for a single advance ruling for goods under multiple tariff classifications and consignments. Negating the need to lodge multiple Origin Advance Rulings.
• Origin Waiver – ATT Importers, who have enough evidence via other means, can claim reduced Free Trade Agreement tariff rates on goods under the following trade agreements without having to obtain a Certificate or Declaration of Origin as proof. Saving a great amount of time and money.
  • • Australia-Chile
    • Japan-Australia
    • Korea-Australia
    • Malaysia-Australia
    • Singapore-Australia
    • Thailand-Australia
    • Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
    • Australia-Hong Kong
    • Peru-Australia
    • Comprehensive and Progressive Economic Partnership Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
    • Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus
    • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
    • Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
• Certain Visa benefits
  • Easier access to APEC Business Travel Card – meaning visa free travel to certain countries in the Aisa-Pacific region.
  • Streamlined SID and SESR visa Sponsorship Accreditation

Eligibility Criteria for ATT Accreditation

Business must:

• Be an active Australian Business Number (ABN) holder
• Be involved in importing, exporting or managing international supply chains
• Have a history of trade compliance
• Demonstrate secure supply chain management systems

For your application, you will need to demonstrate:

• Secure supply chain procedure
• A history of compliance with customs and tax obligations
• Training programs for staff involved in trade
• Internal controls for goods movement, recordkeeping, and reporting

Omega Cargo is in the final stage of becoming a Trusted Trader. We hope to be approved in the coming months. For more information, please visit the Australian Border Force website.