Customs Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1916, No. 315, enacted under the Customs Act 1901–1916, were established to address specific regulatory gaps in the customs framework of the time. This legislative instrument, made by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, was designed to amend and update the Customs Regulations. Notably, it replaced the Provisional Regulation Statutory Rules 1915, No. 264, which was issued on 31st December, 1915. The primary aim of this regulation was to establish a new maximum weight limit for packages of certain goods, such as grain, salt, ores, bagged goods, and hides, being transferred between states. This amendment sought to ensure consistency and manageability in the inter-state transportation of goods, reflecting the policy objective of maintaining an efficient and orderly customs process across the nation.

Scope and Application

The Customs Regulations 1916, as established under the Customs Act 1901–1916, apply to all entities and individuals involved in the inter-state transfer of goods, including grain, salt, ores, bagged goods, and hides. This regulation is specifically concerned with setting a maximum weight limit of 200 lbs for any package or roll of these goods, including the weight of any containing package. The regulation is applicable nationally across Australia, as it is enacted under Commonwealth legislation. It cancels a previous provisional regulation from 1915 and sets a definitive weight restriction for inter-state transfers, which applies uniformly across all states. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the regulation itself, though specific interpretations or additional conditions may be established through subordinate instruments or further legislative actions.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this regulation is Regulation 155, which stipulates that the maximum weight for packages of grain, salt, ores, bagged goods, or any rolls or packages of hides being transferred from one state to another must not exceed 200 pounds in total, including the weight of the containing package if there is one (Reg. 155). This regulation applies to the inter-state transfer of specified goods, ensuring that the weight limit is adhered to for smooth and regulated movement of goods across state borders. Under this Act, entities and individuals involved in the inter-state transfer of grain, salt, ores, bagged goods, or hides must ensure that the total weight of the goods and their packaging does not surpass the prescribed limit of 200 pounds. This obligation is crucial to maintain compliance with the regulation and to facilitate the efficient and lawful movement of goods across state lines. Breaches of this regulation can lead to significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that non-compliance could result in penalties as outlined in the Customs Act 1901–1916 or other relevant legislation. Historically, penalties for breaches of customs regulations could include fines or other administrative actions intended to enforce compliance and deter future violations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or amendments made to the Customs Act over time.