Statutory Rules 1951, No. 159.(h)
1. These Regulations shall come into operation on the first day of January, 1952.
2. Regulation 50 of the Customs Regulations is amended by omiting the figures “ 325 ”, “ 250 ”, “ 165 ”, “ 30 ”, “ 45 ”, “ 60 ” and “ 75 ” and inserting in their stead the figures ‘‘ 550 ”, “ 400 ”, “ 250 ”, “ 50 ”, “ 75 ”, “ 100 ” and “ 125 ”, respectively.
3. Regulation 51 of the Customs Regulations is amended by omitting the figures “ 250 ” and “ 165 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 400 ” and “ 250 ”, respectively.
4. Regulation 55 of the Customs Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from sub-regulation (1.) the figures “ 325 ” “ 250 ” and “ 165 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 550 ”, “ 400 ” and “ 250 ”, respectively; and
(b) by omitting from sub-regulation (2.) the figures “ 250 ” and “ 165 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 400 ” and “ 250 ”, respectively.
5. Regulation 56 of the Customs Regulations is amended by omitting from sub-regulation (1.) the figures “ 15 0 0 ”, “ 22 10 0 ”, “ 30 0 0 ”, “ 37 10 0 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 25 0 0 ”, “ 35 0 0 ”, “ 50 0 0 ” and “ 55 0 0 ”, respectively.
6. Regulation 57 of the Customs Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from sub-regulation (1.) the figures “ 325 ”, “ 250 ” and “ 165 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 550 ”, “ 400 ” and “ 250 ”, respectively; and
(b) by omitting from sub-regulation (2.) the figures “ 250 ” and “ 165 ” and inserting in their stead the figures “ 400 ” and “ 250 ”, respectively.
(h) Made under the Customs Act 1901-1961 on 11th December, 1951; notified in Gazette on 12th December, 1951.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1951, No. 159, made under the Customs Act 1901-1961 on 11 December 1951 and notified in the Gazette on 12 December 1951, introduce amendments to various regulations within the Customs Regulations. These amendments primarily focus on updating specific numerical values that are integral to the operation of the customs framework. By replacing outdated figures with revised values, the regulations ensure that the customs system remains aligned with current economic and trade conditions, thereby maintaining the effectiveness and relevance of customs duties and other related measures. The amendments aim to address the need for periodic updates to numerical parameters in customs regulations, ensuring that the system continues to function smoothly and efficiently.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1951, No. 159, made under the Customs Act 1901-1961, outlines amendments to various regulations pertaining to customs duties and taxes. These amendments, which came into effect on the first day of January, 1952, primarily involve changes to the numerical figures associated with certain tariffs and thresholds in Regulations 50, 51, 55, 56, and 57 of the Customs Regulations. This legislative instrument applies to all entities and individuals involved in the import and export of goods in Australia, thereby affecting a broad range of industries. The updated figures influence the customs duties and taxes levied on specific goods, impacting their cost and, consequently, the pricing strategies of businesses engaged in international trade. While the Act itself does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the numerical adjustments, the application and interpretation of these changes may be further detailed in subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules 1951, No. 159, made under the Customs Act 1901-1961, establish a series of amendments to various regulations within the Customs Regulations. The primary purpose of these amendments is to adjust certain figures in several regulations, reflecting updates to tariff rates and valuation thresholds. For example, Regulation 50 is amended by replacing the figures "325", "250", "165", "30", "45", "60" and "75" with "550", "400", "250", "50", "75", "100" and "125" respectively (Regulation 2). Similarly, Regulation 51 sees its figures "250" and "165" replaced by "400" and "250" (Regulation 3). These changes are aimed at aligning the tariff rates with current economic conditions or policy adjustments.
These amendments impose specific obligations on entities and individuals governed by the Customs Regulations. For instance, importers and exporters must now adhere to the updated figures for tariff calculations and valuation thresholds as stipulated in the amended regulations. This means that the duty and tax calculations on imported goods will need to reflect the new figures, which may impact the overall cost of imported goods. Businesses engaged in international trade must ensure their valuation and duty calculations are compliant with these updated figures to avoid discrepancies and potential penalties.
Failure to comply with these updated regulations can result in legal consequences. The Customs Act 1901-1961 provides for penalties in the event of non-compliance. While the exact penalties are not specified within the statutory rules, the Customs Act generally includes provisions for both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines or monetary penalties, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. It is essential for businesses and individuals to stay updated with these regulatory changes to avoid any legal repercussions.