Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1966

Overview

The Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1966 was enacted to amend the Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1926–1965. This legislation was introduced to address the need for updated regulations on export charges for canned fruits, particularly concerning the measurement of the weight of the pack and the timing of charge payments. The Act was assented to on 29 October 1966 by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia. The policy objective of this amendment is to ensure that the charge on the export of canned fruits is calculated accurately based on the weight of the contents and to streamline the payment process by setting a specific timeframe for charge payments.

Scope and Application

The Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1966 applies to any person or entity involved in the export of canned fruits from Australia, thereby affecting industries that produce and export these goods. The Act amends the Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1926–1965, primarily altering the charge structure on the export of canned fruits. It sets out specific rates of charge based on the weight of the canned fruit packs and modifies the timing for when these charges must be paid. The Act operates on a national level within Australia and does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all exports of canned fruits are subject to its provisions. The Act also provides for further regulation through subordinate instruments, which may further define or specify application details.

Key Provisions

The Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1966 introduces several key changes to the existing Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1926–1965, which it amends. Section 1 establishes the title and citation of the new Act, referring to the older Act as the Principal Act and indicating that the combined, amended version can be cited as the Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1926–1966. The Act is set to commence on 1 January 1967, as per Section 2. The interpretation section, amended by Section 3, clarifies that any reference to the weight of the pack in the Act now pertains to the weight of the contents of the container in which the canned fruits are enclosed. Section 4 revises the charge on the export of canned fruits. Specifically, it modifies subsection (2) to state that the rate of the charge for any canned fruits is the rate specified in the Schedule to the Act that corresponds to the canned fruits or any lower prescribed rate that applies. It also modifies subsection (3) to require payment of the charge within thirty days after the end of the month in which the canned fruits are exported, rather than before the entry of the canned fruits for export. The Act includes a Schedule (Section 5), which sets out the rates of charge based on the weight of the pack. These rates range from 375 cents per dozen containers for packs weighing up to 5 ounces, to 3 cents per dozen containers for packs exceeding 24 ounces, with additional charges for packs exceeding 31 ounces. Entities and individuals governed by this Act must adhere to the new payment timeframes and charge rates as outlined. They must ensure that the weight of the pack, as defined by the Act, is correctly determined and that the corresponding charge is paid within the specified period. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in financial penalties or other consequences as outlined by the relevant authorities. While the Act itself does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, it is likely that non-compliance could be addressed under general administrative or trade regulations that apply to export charges.