Customs broking MOU promotes cross-cultural exchange

CUSTOMS brokers in Australia and China are set to exchange skills and training after the International Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Customs Brokers Association.

The joint initiative allows for the sharing of relevant and appropriate information relating to each country’s customs laws, regulations, biosecurity matters and trade-based matters.

Chief executive Scott Carson said such agreements extended beyond international trade.

“They contribute towards promoting the economic, fiscal and cultural development of both countries,” he said.

Mr Carson also acknowledged the integral role of IFCBAA Victorian member Esther Lee, who led the negotiations.

The non-political agreement is the most recent development in Australia’s trade relationship with China, underpinned by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the China/Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA).

IFCBAA manager border and security Brad Leonard said the partnership was focused on the mutual benefits for practising brokers.

“These agreements advance our goal of improving trade facilitation while strengthening our members cross-border expertise, supporting the critical services they deliver to imports and exporters,” Mr Leonard said.

“These arrangements, combined with IFCBAA’s membership and representation with IATA, FAPAA, TIACA and FIATA, add depth and strength to IFCBAA’s profile and advocacy- based positions in the Asia Pacific region and also globally.”

IFCBAA has existing alliances with the International Freight and Customs Brokers Association (Global), Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand (CBAFF), Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and British International Freight Association (BIFA).