Customs Regulations 1909 (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1911 No. 168, made under the Customs Act 1901-1910, was enacted to address the practical issue of the handling and transportation of certain goods, specifically wheat, grain, ores, and other bagged products, between states. This regulation, promulgated by the Governor-General in Council, sets a maximum weight limit for packages of these goods, ensuring they do not exceed 200 pounds including the package weight. This was designed to safeguard the individuals involved in handling and transporting these goods, preventing undue strain and injury during their duties. The policy objective, as stated, is to standardise the safe handling of such goods across state borders, ensuring both the safety of the workers and the efficiency of inter-state trade.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, Statutory Rules 1911 No. 168, operates under the Customs Act 1901-1910 and applies to the maximum permissible weight of packages containing certain goods, specifically wheat, grain, ores, and other bagged products, during inter-state transfer within Australia. This regulation aims to standardise the handling and transport of these goods across state lines, ensuring safety and efficiency for personnel involved in the manual handling of such packages. The regulation stipulates that the combined weight of the goods and the package must not exceed 200 pounds, a measure designed to protect the individuals tasked with transporting these heavy loads. The regulation applies to all persons and entities engaged in the inter-state transfer of these specified goods, encompassing various industries involved in agriculture, mining, and related sectors. Its jurisdictional reach is national, applying uniformly across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislative instrument does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the weight limit mentioned. While the primary regulation sets the weight limit, the Customs Act 1901-1910 provides a broader framework that may extend or modify the application of these regulations through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this Regulation under the Customs Act 1901-1910 (section 1) set out the maximum permissible weight for packages of wheat and other specified goods when they are being transferred coastwise between states. Specifically, section 2 states that for wheat, grain, ores, and other bagged products that need to be carried on the back of the handler, the combined weight of the goods and the package itself must not exceed 200 pounds. This regulation is designed to ensure that the weight of the goods and their containers is manageable for those handling them during inter-state transfer. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities involved in the transportation of these goods. Those responsible for handling the packages, particularly those carrying wheat, grain, ores, or other bagged products, must ensure that the combined weight of the goods and the package does not surpass the 200-pound limit. This requirement applies to all inter-state transfers to ensure the safety and practicality of the handling process. Breach of this regulation could result in various consequences. Although the exact nature of the penalties is not detailed in the provided text, it is implied that any failure to adhere to the weight limits could lead to complications in the transportation process and potentially incur penalties. In general, under the Customs Act, breaches can result in fines, confiscation of goods, or other legal repercussions as deemed appropriate by the authorities. The precise penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and the specific circumstances surrounding it.