The regulatory measures for China-Australia freight transportation mainly revolve around rules of origin, customs clearance facilitation, risk management and safety supervision, logistics monitoring technology, trade compliance and law enforcement. These measures not only conform to international trade rules but also reflect the cooperation achievements of China and Australia in trade facilitation and safety supervision. The following is a detailed description of the specific regulatory measures:
I. Rules of Origin and Certificate Management
Rules of Origin: The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement provides detailed regulations on the rules of origin applicable to imported and exported goods, including origin criteria, supplementary rules, implementation procedures, and the list of product-specific rules of origin (PSR). These rules are used to determine whether goods are eligible for preferential tariff rates under the agreement.
Certificates of Origin: Enterprises must apply for certificates of origin from authorized institutions in accordance with the agreement's provisions, which serve as the basis for goods to enjoy preferential tariff rates. In China, authorized institutions include the local entry-exit inspection and quarantine institutions under the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and its local branches. In Australia, authorized institutions include the Australian Industry Group, the Grape and Wine Authority, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Declarations of Origin: For goods that have received valid origin determinations from customs, producers or exporters can issue declarations of origin based on the determinations, further simplifying the process.
II. Facilitation Measures for Customs Clearance
Mutual Recognition of AEO: The customs authorities of China and Australia mutually recognize each other's "Authorized Economic Operator" (AEO) enterprises and provide customs clearance facilitation for goods imported from AEO enterprises of the other party. These facilitation measures include reduced document review and physical inspection, priority inspection, consideration of AEO status in risk assessment, and designated customs liaison officers to handle customs clearance issues.
Electronic Declaration and Review: Enterprises can submit customs declarations and related documents through electronic systems, and customs conducts electronic review to improve customs clearance efficiency.
Fast Clearance for Special Goods: For perishable goods and other special commodities, the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement stipulates that they should be released as soon as possible, with priority inspection arrangements, and allows importers to arrange appropriate storage before release.
III. Risk Management and Safety Supervision
Risk Assessment and Classification Management: Customs conducts risk assessment based on factors such as the nature, origin, and mode of transportation of goods, and implements stricter supervision measures for high-risk goods.
Safety Access and Exit Supervision: Safety access and exit supervision are implemented for imported and exported goods to ensure they meet relevant safety standards.
International Cooperation and Information Sharing: The customs authorities of China and Australia have reached consensus on the consistency, transparency, and cooperation of regulatory policies, and have strengthened information sharing and law enforcement cooperation to jointly combat smuggling and illegal activities.
IV. Logistics Monitoring Technologies
GPS Monitoring System: Used to monitor the location and travel trajectory of transportation vehicles to ensure the safety of goods during transportation.
Electronic Seal Monitoring System: Through electronic seals, goods are managed with seals to prevent illegal opening or substitution during transportation.
Electronic Weighbridges and Electronic License Plates: Used to monitor the weight of goods and the identity information of transportation vehicles to ensure the accuracy and traceability of data.
V. Trade Compliance and Law Enforcement
Investigation of Trade Barriers: Investigations are conducted into possible trade barrier behaviors, such as import bans and restrictions, and corresponding measures are taken to protect the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises.
Law Enforcement and Penalties: Penalties are imposed on violations of customs supervision regulations, including fines, confiscation of goods, suspension or revocation of enterprise qualifications, etc. At the same time, cooperation with law enforcement departments is strengthened to jointly combat smuggling and illegal activities.
