Latest news with #CustomsAct1901
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- The Advertiser
'Disturbing rise': charges over child-like sex dolls bound for Hunter
THREE Hunter men are due to face court on charges related to child-like sex dolls in what Australian Border Force has branded "a disturbing rise in attempted importations". The authority said it had taken action on seven warrants since 2024 related to the trade. In October last year, officers stopped an air cargo consignment intended for a Cooranbong address on suspicion it contained a child-like sex doll. A month later, they searched a residential premises and arrested a 63-year-old man. In April, officers identified one of the dolls in a consignment declared as containing a silicone doll. A 49-year-old man was arrested in May this year after they searched a rural premises north of Scone. Last month, officers intercepted another doll bound for a residence in Whitebridge. A 55-year-old man was arrested and charged following a search of the property. The three men were charged with breaching the Customs Act 1901. If convicted, they face maximum penalties of a $782,500 fine, 10 years in jail or both. Australian Border Force Inspector Michael Mahony said the arrests were "just a few examples" of the intelligence and investigations officers were conducting. "Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Inspector Mahony said. "The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted." THREE Hunter men are due to face court on charges related to child-like sex dolls in what Australian Border Force has branded "a disturbing rise in attempted importations". The authority said it had taken action on seven warrants since 2024 related to the trade. In October last year, officers stopped an air cargo consignment intended for a Cooranbong address on suspicion it contained a child-like sex doll. A month later, they searched a residential premises and arrested a 63-year-old man. In April, officers identified one of the dolls in a consignment declared as containing a silicone doll. A 49-year-old man was arrested in May this year after they searched a rural premises north of Scone. Last month, officers intercepted another doll bound for a residence in Whitebridge. A 55-year-old man was arrested and charged following a search of the property. The three men were charged with breaching the Customs Act 1901. If convicted, they face maximum penalties of a $782,500 fine, 10 years in jail or both. Australian Border Force Inspector Michael Mahony said the arrests were "just a few examples" of the intelligence and investigations officers were conducting. "Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Inspector Mahony said. "The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted." THREE Hunter men are due to face court on charges related to child-like sex dolls in what Australian Border Force has branded "a disturbing rise in attempted importations". The authority said it had taken action on seven warrants since 2024 related to the trade. In October last year, officers stopped an air cargo consignment intended for a Cooranbong address on suspicion it contained a child-like sex doll. A month later, they searched a residential premises and arrested a 63-year-old man. In April, officers identified one of the dolls in a consignment declared as containing a silicone doll. A 49-year-old man was arrested in May this year after they searched a rural premises north of Scone. Last month, officers intercepted another doll bound for a residence in Whitebridge. A 55-year-old man was arrested and charged following a search of the property. The three men were charged with breaching the Customs Act 1901. If convicted, they face maximum penalties of a $782,500 fine, 10 years in jail or both. Australian Border Force Inspector Michael Mahony said the arrests were "just a few examples" of the intelligence and investigations officers were conducting. "Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Inspector Mahony said. "The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted." THREE Hunter men are due to face court on charges related to child-like sex dolls in what Australian Border Force has branded "a disturbing rise in attempted importations". The authority said it had taken action on seven warrants since 2024 related to the trade. In October last year, officers stopped an air cargo consignment intended for a Cooranbong address on suspicion it contained a child-like sex doll. A month later, they searched a residential premises and arrested a 63-year-old man. In April, officers identified one of the dolls in a consignment declared as containing a silicone doll. A 49-year-old man was arrested in May this year after they searched a rural premises north of Scone. Last month, officers intercepted another doll bound for a residence in Whitebridge. A 55-year-old man was arrested and charged following a search of the property. The three men were charged with breaching the Customs Act 1901. If convicted, they face maximum penalties of a $782,500 fine, 10 years in jail or both. Australian Border Force Inspector Michael Mahony said the arrests were "just a few examples" of the intelligence and investigations officers were conducting. "Dolls that normalise child exploitation are far from a victimless crime and they have no place in the Australian community," Inspector Mahony said. "The ABF is resolute in its commitment to seize any and all forms of abhorrent child abuse material at the border and ensure those responsible are prosecuted."
Time Business News
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
What Is a Customs Broker?
In Australia, under the Customs Act 1901, only licensed customs brokers—or the owner of goods—can submit import declarations for goods cleared into home consumption. Most businesses engage brokers to navigate complex regulations, avoid entry errors, and minimise costly delays or penalties. Licensing & Qualifications All customs brokers in Australia must hold a licence issued by the Department of Home Affairs Common pathway: Complete the Diploma of Customs Broking (TLI50822). Gain supervised workplace experience. Sit (if required) a national exam. Participate in mandatory continuing professional development (CPD)—typically 30 points annually ABF tightened 'fit and proper person' checks as of 5 March 2025, enabling electronic licence applications & broader nominee definitions Key Roles in the Supply Chain Customs brokers act as a vital bridge between importers and authorities by: Classifying good s accurately to calculate duties and taxes. s accurately to calculate duties and taxes. Completing import documentation, including permits and licences. including permits and licences. Liaising with customs officials and expediting clearances and expediting clearances Mitigating compliance risks , such as misclassification or incorrect valuations. , such as misclassification or incorrect valuations. Guiding tariff opportunities, HS codes, and trade agreements (e.g., India ECTA) This reduces delays, penalties, and errors that could disrupt the entire supply chain . Regulatory & Technological Context (2025 Outlook) Customs Amendment Legislation (from 5 March 2025) enhances digital licence administration and tighter security for trusted trade partners. (from 5 March 2025) enhances digital licence administration and tighter security for trusted trade partners. Illegal Logging Reforms (effective 3 March 2025): brokers must ensure oversight of timber legality, treatment standards, and documentation (effective 3 March 2025): brokers must ensure oversight of timber legality, treatment standards, and documentation Biosecurity measures continue to tighten, with DAFF requiring certifications, fumigation verification and compliance audits . with DAFF requiring certifications, fumigation verification and compliance audits . New CPD requirements issued by DAFF must be completed by 17 March 2025 Supply Chain Trends & Impacts on Brokerage a) Digital Transformation & Data AI-powered tools, real-time platforms, and e-signatures are becoming core features. Customs data is now the 'currency' of trade—vital for visibility & resilience b) Resilience & Sustainability Increased investment in robust networks and rail infrastructure—Australia's freight is up to three times costlier than elsewhere Push for traceability (using blockchain, IoT) to comply with ESG and biosecurity laws c) Geopolitical Change Agreements like Australia–India ECTA and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) diversify routes beyond China d) Freight Costs & Policy Regulatory pressure on brokers to maintain strict compliance—part of new 'additional licence conditions' since July 2024 . Why Brokers Matter More Than Ever They help businesses maintain compliance and avoid expensive disruptions. and avoid expensive disruptions. They enable faster clearance via expert handling of complex regulations. via expert handling of complex regulations. They optimise tariff management and trade-agreement benefits. and trade-agreement benefits. They manage emerging risks—illegal logging, biosecurity threats, digital adoption, climate impacts. Business Recommendations Choose a trusted-operator broker accredited under Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) broker accredited under Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Ensure brokers offer digital platform integration and data visibility. and data visibility. Regularly review CPD credentials , biosecurity practices, and licence compliance. , biosecurity practices, and licence compliance. Monitor supply chain resilience strategies: rail vs road freight shifts post extreme weather events Conclusion In 2025, customs brokerage in Australia has evolved from a transactional service into a critical strategic partner. As digitalisation, regulatory complexity, and global uncertainty rise, brokers play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless, secure, and compliant supply chain operations. By partnering with digitally advanced and accredited brokers, businesses safeguard their goods, reduce costs, and build resilience. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
