The trading community is facing many changes over the next twelve months as Customs updates its export and import reporting systems. The changes will dramatically impact upon current business processes, but Customs envisages that they will profoundly benefit Australian industry.

Customs existing import and export reporting systems, EXIT, Compile, Air Cargo Automation, and Sea Cargo Automation will soon be replaced with a new Integrated Cargo System (ICS). This new IT system will be complimented by new business rules and legislation.

It will be mandatory to report the movement of goods to Customs via the ICS. Individuals and businesses involved in the import or export chain must start looking now at how they are going to report to Customs in the future.

There will be two options available for communicating electronically via the ICS. The first is to access the ICS interactively via an Internet service provider. This will involve logging onto the Customs website and accessing the e-Customs Login page. Successful login will take you directly into the ICS. The second option is to utilise electronic data interchange (EDI) batch transmission either via a direct line to Customs or via a bureau service. This option will require users to either develop their own or purchase off-the-shelf software. A list of developers creating software packages may be found at www.customs.gov.au, select Cargo Management Re-engineering from the menu bar and follow the links.

Individuals and businesses communicating directly with Customs will need to register themselves in the ICS. Exporters will be able to start registering from 18 August 2003.

In order to register a digital certificate must be purchased. Only those who wish to communicate directly with Customs are required to purchase a digital certificate. Clients who report the movement of goods through a customs broker, service provider or bureau will not need to register. Their service provider will register on their behalf. Customs will also undertake a large percentage of the registration process using existing owner records.

Various digital certificates are available; depending on the needs of the individual or business. Examples include individual certificates, certificates for businesses that have an ABN and certificates for businesses without an ABN. There is also a device certificate for those companies who manage their EDI messaging traffic via a server.

Currently, VeriSign is the only approved certification authority (CA) that can issue digital certificates to access the ICS. For more information and instructions on how to purchase a digital certificates go to www.verisign.com.au, select Gatekeeper and click on Australian Customs Service. As other CAs meet Customs’ business requirements their ability to issue digital certificates will be published on the Customs Internet site.

On 17 November 2003 the ICS will be available for export reporting. From this date there will be a two-week window where users will be able to access both EXIT and the ICS. However, any goods leaving the country from 1 December 2003 must be reported through the ICS. On 1 December, the cutover date, the EXIT system will be switched off and all export reporting may only occur through the ICS.

The ICS will be rolled out for import reporting in June 2004. However, preparations for selecting a communication option must start now.

For more information about the changes ahead, including introductory training, phone 1800 022 267 or go to www.customs.gov.au (follow the links to the Cargo Management Re-engineering site).