Tariff Concession Rationalisation and Simplification
On 19 March 2010, the Rudd Government announced that it would rationalise the current tariff concession regime as part of the Government’s better regulation and micro-economic reform agenda.
To implement the tariff concession rationalisation a Better Regulation Ministerial Partnership has been established between the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and the Minister for Home Affairs.
The partnership is reviewing Schedule 4 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995, which provides tariff concessions for a range of imported goods under different circumstances. As outlined in the consultation scoping paper below the review is focussed on removing unnecessary complexity from the existing schedule by simplifying existing arrangements and removing obsolete items. The review will not examine new concessions or expand the scope of existing concessions.
- Scoping Paper: Tariff Concession Rationalisation and Simplification PDF Version [
164KB] - Scoping Paper: Tariff Concession Rationalisation and Simplification RFT Version [
643KB]
The expected steps involved with the public consultation process are:
- Scoping Consultation: Identify improvements that can be made in the short term and identify areas for more detailed review
- Further Studies: Review areas identified for further study and construct a new model for the Schedule
- Consultation on Proposed Model: Circulate model to stakeholders for comment
- Consultation on Implementation: Consult with stakeholders on implementation.
Public Consultation
The Government is seeking comments and views as to how the proposed rationalisation of Schedule 4 will affect businesses and communities. In particular, the views of key stakeholders, including importers and their representatives, industry and small business associates, non-profit organisations and other relevant Government agencies are sought.
Stakeholders are invited to make a Submission on issues identified in the consultation scoping paper. The objective is to gather stakeholder input and feedback to support design of a framework for rationalisation. Further review of some specific items and consultation on proposed changes is anticipated. Submissions are requested via email to:
Or via post to the mailing address:
David Pullen
Director – Regulatory Strategy and Economic
Deregulation Group
Department of Finance and Deregulation
Minter Ellison Building
25 National Circuit Forrest
ACT 2603
Submissions should include the respondent’s name, organisation (if relevant) and contact details. All Submissions will be treated as confidential and will not be made public.
Submissions close on 30 April 2010.
Contact for information on this page: deregulation@finance.gov.au