Delays to containers from Italy continue as a result of Australian Quarantine's instruction that ALL sea freight containers arriving from Italy must undergo treatment here in Australia due to concerns over Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB). Many containers arriving in late 2017 were found to have BMSB infestations and as a result the new Quarantine directive was issued in mid-January to combat the issue. This new requirement is to be in effect from 17 January to 30 April 2018.

Methyl Bromide fumigation is not allowed within the European Union due to local laws, which means that containers cannot be easily pre-treated and need to be fumigated on arrival. There is currently a large backlog of containers waiting to be fumigated and some depots have now advised that they will not be able to accept any further containers for treatment. Industry bodies are requesting that Australian Quarantine help to alleviate the problems by authorising fumigation to be carried out at additional depots. For the time being however, delays of 4-7 days are expected as a minimum for containers from Italy.

The 2018 AFL Season is not far away, and this year Tomax Logistics is inviting all of our staff and clients to participate in the Tomax AFL Tipping Competition for a chance to win $2000. For all the details, and your chance to win the big prize, please register for the competition at the following link, the password is tomax2018. The competition is open to Tomax staff and clients only.

Click Here to Register

As expected in the wake of DP World increasing their Infrastructure Surcharge from 1st January, Patrick have now followed suit. A notice has been issued by Patrick advising that from 12 March 2018 the surcharge will increase at all their terminals in Australia. The surcharge will vary from port to port but will be approximately $54 per container going forward.

Did you know that Tomax Logistics is an Australian Trusted Trader? We are very proud to be one of only a handful of customs brokers and freight forwarders to have earned this accreditation. Our status with Australian Customs is at the highest level and Tomax receives several benefits from the program which we utilise to assist our clients.

We have also assisted three of our clients to become Trusted Traders via our Industry Assistance program. If you would like more information on what Trusted Trader is all about please contact Paul Watson on 1300 1 TOMAX.

Yet another Free Trade Agreement was signed this week by the Australian Government. The Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) was introduced in record time with negotiations only starting in May 2017. Exports of sugar, dairy, wine, beef, pharma and machinery items are set to benefit the most. An entry-into-force date is yet to be set.

Happy New Year to all those celebrating Chinese New Year today! From today it is the Year of the Dog, so if you are born in the year of the Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) then you're sure to have a great upcoming 12 months! The following are deemed to be lucky this year: numbers 3, 4 and 9; colours red, green and purple; flowers being roses and orchids. Our China offices will be closed over the next week to celebrate the new year.

We thought we'd throw in a photo for a laugh today. This one is a timely reminder NOT to leave your pharmaceuticals lying around the house.