Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1931 No. 18, made under the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924-1927, were enacted to amend the regulations concerning the charges imposed on the export of dried fruits. The Governor-General, Sir Isaac Isaacs, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, established these regulations to take effect from the first of March, 1931. These rules specifically target the adjustment of export charges for various types of dried fruits, such as currants, sultanas, and lexias, to reflect changes in economic conditions or policy objectives concerning dried fruit exports during that period. The aim of the Act, as indicated by the amendments, is to ensure that the charges levied are fair and appropriately reflect the costs associated with the export process while supporting the broader objectives of the federal government's trade policies.

Scope and Application

The Dried Fruits Export Charges Regulations, established under the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924-1927, apply to entities involved in the export of dried fruits from Australia, specifically targeting dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried lexias. These regulations govern the rates of charges to be imposed and paid for the export of these specified dried fruits, with the aim of regulating and generating revenue from the export of these commodities. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, and they are intended to ensure consistent application and enforcement across the country. The regulations specify precise charge rates for each type of dried fruit per hundredweight, thereby providing clear guidelines for both exporters and relevant authorities. The regulations themselves can be amended or updated through subordinate instruments, allowing for adjustments in charge rates or other stipulations as necessary over time.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations under the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924-1927 (referred to as "the Act") include the amendment of Regulation 3, which sets out the specific rates for the export charges on dried fruits. Regulation 3 (section 3) now specifies the charge rates for dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried lexias, each measured per hundredweight. The regulation clearly states that these charges will be levied for a period of twelve months following the commencement of these Regulations. The charge for dried currants and dried sultanas is set at Sevenpence and one half-penny per hundredweight, whereas the charge for dried lexias is set at Threepence per hundredweight. The Regulations impose obligations on parties involved in the export of dried fruits, specifically those exporting dried currants, dried sultanas, and dried lexias. Exporters must ensure that the specified charges are levied and paid according to the new rates outlined in Regulation 3. The obligation to comply with these rates applies to all exports of the specified dried fruits during the twelve-month period beginning from the effective date of these Regulations. The Act mandates that the charges be imposed and collected at the point of export, ensuring that the revenue derived from these charges is appropriately accounted for and remitted to the relevant authorities. There are no explicit provisions detailing offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance within these Regulations. However, it is reasonable to infer that any failure to comply with the charge requirements set out in Regulation 3 could potentially lead to legal action under the provisions of the Dried Fruits Export Charges Act 1924-1927. Such non-compliance might result in penalties or legal consequences as prescribed by the broader legislative framework, although specific penalties are not outlined in these Regulations. It is advisable for exporters to adhere strictly to the stipulated rates to avoid any legal repercussions that might arise from non-compliance with the Act.