Customs Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1956, No. 71, Regulations under the Customs Act 1901-1954, were introduced to address the need for updated regulations governing the customs control of imported goods, particularly concerning the licensing of carriages, boats, and lighters used for transporting these goods. Enacted by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aimed to ensure that the administration of customs duties and the control of imported goods remained effective and up-to-date. The primary policy objective was to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the customs system, ensuring that goods subject to customs control are properly managed and that the appropriate duties and taxes are collected.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1956 No. 71, made under the Customs Act 1901-1954, bring amendments and insertions to the Customs Regulations, affecting the licensing and operation of carriages, boats, and lighters for the carriage of goods subject to Customs control. These regulations apply to licensees of such means of transport, requiring them to cease operations or return their licences if the transport becomes unfit or is sold, lost, or otherwise rendered incapable of performing its licensed function. Additionally, the amendment to Regulation 73 updates the list of goods to include finished piece goods woven wholly of cotton and fortified wine, which are now subject to Customs control. The penalties for non-compliance are set at twenty pounds for each specified offence. The regulations are geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and extend to the territories as defined under the Customs Act. The amendments are set to come into effect on the twenty-second day of October, 1956, providing a clear timeline for compliance by relevant entities and individuals.

Key Provisions

The Customs Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1956, No. 71, introduce several significant changes. Regulation 13 (1) now stipulates that if a licensed carriage, boat, or lighter is sold or rendered unfit for the carriage of goods subject to the control of Customs, the licensee must not convey such goods. Failure to comply results in a penalty of twenty pounds. Furthermore, Regulation 13 (2) mandates that the licensee must return the licence to the Collector for cancellation or correction, with a penalty of twenty pounds for non-compliance. Regulation 73 has been amended to replace "Finished piece goods" with "Finished piece goods woven wholly of cotton" and adds "Fortified wine". Additionally, Regulation 93 has been updated with new tariff rates for general merchandise based on weight and measurement, effective from the twenty-second day of October, 1956. These regulations impose several obligations on the parties they govern. Licensees must ensure their licensed carriages, boats, or lighters are not used for conveying goods subject to Customs control if sold, rendered unfit, or lost. They are also required to return their licences to the Collector for cancellation or correction under these circumstances. The updated tariff rates in Regulation 93 mean that parties involved in the import of general merchandise must now comply with the new measurement and weight-based charges. Violations of these regulations carry specific penalties. Under Regulation 13 (1) and (2), failure to adhere to the requirements of returning a licence or not using a vessel for its intended purpose results in a penalty of twenty pounds. This penalty serves as a deterrent against non-compliance and ensures adherence to the stipulated regulations governing the carriage of goods subject to Customs control.