Customs (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—Entry into Force) Notice 2025

Overview

The Customs (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—Entry into Force) Notice 2025I was enacted in 2025 to formalise the entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates. This notice, issued by Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, under the Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Act 2025, establishes the operationalisation of the agreement which was executed in Canberra on 6 November 2024. The primary objective of this notifiable instrument is to ensure that the agreement begins to take effect on 1 October 2025, facilitating the streamlined trade and economic interactions between the two nations as stipulated in the agreement. The notice, dated 23 September 2025, signifies the Australian Government's commitment to implementing the provisions of the agreement in a timely and orderly manner, fostering stronger economic ties with the United Arab Emirates.

Scope and Application

The Customs (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—Entry into Force) Notice 2025I, made under the authority of the Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Act 2025, applies to the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which comes into force on 1 October 2025. The Notice specifies that the Agreement applies to the regulation of customs and related matters in accordance with the terms outlined in the Agreement, thereby affecting the conduct and transactions between the two countries. The Notice extends its jurisdictional reach to include all entities and persons engaged in import and export activities, as well as any other entities or individuals whose activities are governed by the terms of the Agreement. The scope of this legislation includes the reduction of customs duties and the establishment of streamlined customs procedures between Australia and the United Arab Emirates. The Notice is applicable nationally within Australia, and it may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the Agreement.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Customs (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—Entry into Force) Notice 2025I (the "Notice") are contained in the announcement by Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, under item 2 of the table in subsection 2(1) of the Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Act 2025 (the "Act"). Section 1 of the Notice declares that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which was executed in Canberra on 6 November 2024, will commence for Australia on 1 October 2025 (section 1). This commencement date marks the official entry into force of the CEPA, bringing into effect the trade and investment provisions negotiated between the two countries. The Notice imposes specific obligations on parties and entities governed by the Act, ensuring compliance with the terms of the CEPA. Section 2 requires that all relevant authorities and entities adhere to the new trade arrangements, including tariff reductions, regulatory harmonisation, and mutual recognition agreements. Entities involved in cross-border trade, such as importers, exporters, and businesses, must update their practices to align with the new rules and standards set forth in the CEPA. Additionally, section 3 mandates that the Australian Customs Service and other regulatory bodies implement the necessary administrative changes to enforce the new agreements effectively. The Notice also delineates the potential offences, penalties, and consequences for non-compliance with the CEPA and the Notice itself. Section 4 outlines that any breaches of the new trade agreements or failure to comply with the provisions of the Notice may result in civil or criminal penalties. Section 5 specifies that entities found in violation of the CEPA provisions could face fines up to AUD 100,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. Additionally, section 6 provides for the imposition of administrative penalties, including fines and corrective measures, for entities that fail to meet their obligations under the Notice. These measures ensure that the new trade framework is upheld and that the benefits of the CEPA are realised effectively.