Customs Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2651, enacted on 16 September 1981, represent an amendment to the Customs Regulations under the Customs Act 1901. This regulation was introduced to adjust the payment for services rendered by officers within the customs framework. The amendment specifically changes the rate from $9.33 to $9.51, reflecting an update necessitated by economic or administrative considerations. The regulation was made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. While the text does not explicitly state a policy objective, the amendment likely aims to ensure that the fees for customs officer services remain commensurate with the economic conditions and operational costs of the time.

Scope and Application

The Customs Regulations 1981, as amended by Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2651, apply to all persons and entities involved in the importation and exportation of goods within the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes customs officers, importers, exporters, and any other parties directly engaged in the customs clearance process. The regulations govern the conduct and transactions related to the movement of goods across Australian borders, ensuring compliance with customs laws and procedures. The scope of the regulations is comprehensive, covering various aspects of customs administration, including the payment for services rendered by customs officers. Specifically, the amendment to Regulation 192 adjusts the fee for services provided by customs officers, reflecting the updated rate of $9.51. The application of these regulations is national in reach, applying uniformly across all states and territories of Australia. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions but rather establish a framework that may be subject to further clarification or modification through subordinate instruments or additional legislative measures. This ensures that the Customs Regulations remain adaptable to changing trade practices and economic conditions.

Key Provisions

The key operative section of the Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2651 is Regulation 192 of the Customs Regulations, which has been amended to adjust the payment for services of officers from $9.33 to $9.51 (Reg 192). This regulation pertains specifically to the fee charged for services provided by customs officers. The amendment reflects a minor increase in the fee, which is a straightforward adjustment to the financial requirements of the service. The primary obligation imposed by this regulation is the requirement for any person or entity that utilises the services of customs officers to pay the amended fee of $9.51 (Reg 192). This is applicable to all those who engage with customs officers for any service where such a fee is applicable. This change ensures that the updated fee is uniformly applied and collected, thereby maintaining the financial integrity of the service provision. In terms of breaches and penalties, the regulation itself does not specify any particular offences or penalties for non-compliance. However, under the broader Customs Act 1901, failure to pay the correct fee when engaging customs services could potentially lead to civil or administrative penalties. Such penalties might include fines or other financial penalties imposed by the relevant authorities. The exact nature and extent of these penalties would be determined by the specific circumstances of the breach and the applicable provisions of the Customs Act 1901.