Australia’s Trusted Trader (ATT) program continues to go from strength-to-strength with more than 1,000 businesses applying for membership since it was introduced in 2016.
The Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Jason Wood MP said the ATT program is open to all Australian businesses that import, export or provide services that support traders in the international supply chain.
“In the six months to June, an additional 250 businesses have applied to join the more than 760 accredited traders who already belong to the program, recognising the important trade facilitation benefits the program provides,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
“The 760 accredited traders who belong to the program represent 18.2 per cent of Australia’s two-way trade value and 10.7 per cent of Australia’s two-way trade volume.
“Trusted Trader is a progressive approach, demonstrating how the Australian Government is partnering with business to secure our borders and facilitate legitimate trade in Australia.
“Australia’s prosperity relies on how quickly and easily businesses can trade internationally, and the Australian Government remains committed to fostering and facilitating trade while strengthening supply chain security,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner Michael Outram congratulated those involved in meeting the 1,000 target.
“The ambitious plan to grow the program to 1,000 traders by 2020 was set in 2016. I would like to applaud the work of my officers in reaching this significant milestone.
“By working in close partnership with Trusted Traders, the ABF develops a better understanding of how secure and compliant businesses undertake international trade.
“The challenges under COVID-19 have provided a difficult climate for business but the ABF has worked to keep supply chains moving across our borders while assisting the Australian Government with slowing the transmission of COVID-19 throughout our community.
“Trusted Trader accreditation is a mark of distinction. It signals that the ABF has independently accredited you as a business against international supply chain security and trade compliance standards,” Commissioner Outram said.
Belonging to the Australian Trusted Trader program is free, and is open to all Australian businesses that have been active in the international supply chain for at least two years and can demonstrate a secure and compliant international supply chain.
Businesses that meet the program’s requirements receive benefits including streamlined customs clearances, enabling them to get to market quicker.
