On 29 April 2016, the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, announced almost $70 million over the next four years to implement the Australian Trusted Trader programme overseen by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Four companies were recognised for their contribution to Australia’s trade history by being among the first Australian businesses to enter Australian Trusted Trader agreements during the pilot phase—IKEA Supply AG, Pacific Brands Holdings Pty Ltd, Techwool Trading Pty Ltd and Teys Australia Beenleigh Pty Ltd. These pilot partners have helped shape and influence the Australian Trusted Trader programme and contribute to changing the way Australia will trade globally.

Australian Trusted Trader is a voluntary programme that has been co-designed with industry to create a fast and seamless trade experience for Trusted Traders. Through Australian Trusted Trader, government and business will work together to enhance supply chain security and trade compliance. Trusted Trader businesses are enabled to become more efficient and internationally competitive through certainty in border processing.

From 1 July 2016, Australian Trusted Trader will be open to all sectors of Australia’s international trade community—large and small.

From 1 July 2016, Trusted Traders will receive a dedicated account manager, priority trade services, differentiated and prioritised examinations, and access to trade facilitation benefits in countries with which Australia has signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement. From 2017/18, Trusted Traders will be offered streamlined reporting and duty deferral arrangements.

By 2020 it is anticipated that there will be around 1,000 Trusted Trader partners.

Source: border.gov.au