Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations (Amendment) 1988 were issued under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy and pertain to amendments to the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924. This Act was enacted to impose a charge on the export of dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried raisins from Australia, with the primary objective of generating funds to support the operations of the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation. The initial maximum charge was set at $30 per tonne, but this was later adjusted to $15 per tonne. The current amendment increases the operative rate of charge from $15 per tonne to $20 per tonne, effective from 1 March 1988. This adjustment aims to sustain an effective promotional program for Australian dried fruits in international markets and is backed by the Australian Dried Fruits Association, representing the producers.

Scope and Application

The Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1988 pertain to the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924, which governs the imposition of a charge on the export of dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried raisins from Australia. This Act applies to all persons or entities involved in the export of these dried fruits, ensuring that the requisite charge is levied to support the operations of the Australian Dried Fruits Corporation. The increase in the charge, as amended by these regulations, applies to exports occurring from 1 March 1988 onwards, with the new operative rate set at $20 per tonne. This amendment aims to sustain an effective promotional program for Australian dried fruits in international markets, reflecting the interests of the producers as represented by the Australian Dried Fruits Association. The regulations do not explicitly detail any exclusions or exemptions, but their application extends nationally, encompassing all exports of the specified dried fruits from Australian territory.

Key Provisions

The Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1988 No. 11, issued under the authority of the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, amend the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924. The main operative section of this legislation (Section 4) now requires a charge of $20 per tonne to be imposed on the export of dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried raisins from Australia, effective from 1 March 1988. This amendment increases the previously set charge of $15 per tonne, as per the original Act (Section 3), to $20 per tonne, as authorised by these regulations. These regulations impose obligations on parties involved in the export of dried fruits from Australia. The Australian Dried Fruits Corporation, as the entity responsible for collecting these charges, must now ensure that the increased rate of $20 per tonne is applied to all exports of the specified dried fruits. Exporters of these fruits must also comply by paying the appropriate charge to the Corporation. The Australian Dried Fruits Association, which represents the interests of producers, has a role in supporting this amendment and ensuring that the new charge rate is adhered to for the effective promotion of Australian dried fruits in international markets. The regulations do not explicitly detail offences or penalties for non-compliance. However, breaches of the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924 could potentially lead to legal action under the general provisions of the Act or other relevant legislation. In the context of export charges, non-compliance might result in financial penalties, legal proceedings, or other administrative actions taken by the relevant authorities. Given the context of export regulations, significant breaches could also attract scrutiny and possible penalties under broader trade legislation, although specific penalties are not detailed in these regulations.