Australia
New Zealand Seabridge Global Logistics News
THE ‘soft-start’ compliance period for the recent illegal logging regulations has been extended from its original end date of 30 May 2016. It is not clear at this stage just how long it has been extended for, though it is expected to be until late 2016 or early 2017.
On 25 February 2016, the Australian Government released the final report of the KPMG led “Independent Review of the Impact of the Illegal Logging Regulations on Small Business”. The review proposed a number of regulatory and non-regulatory reforms to minimise the costs of complying with the Regulation for small businesses.
Due to the potential for further changes to the Regulation, the department has decided to extend the ‘soft-start’ compliance period until any amendments from the KPMG review have been finalised.
During the ‘soft start’ period, where importers or processors are found to be non-compliant with their due diligence requirements under the illegal logging legislation, the department will issue educational advice and not pursue civil penalties.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE –
The ‘soft-start’ compliance period does not apply to serious or deliberate breaches of Australia’s illegal logging laws. If the department becomes aware of such criminal breaches, it will pursue them.
Need more information?
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has supplied in-depth information on Australia’s illegal logging policies as well as information on the independent KPMG review.
Alternatively, Seabridge has experienced import specialists and expert customs brokers who are able to guide businesses through these regulation changes. Contact us today and learn how we can aid your business.
