Customs Point-in-Time Service Updates

The Customs Point-in-Time Service has been updated to include the Customs Amendment (Immediate Destruction of Illicit Tobacco) Act 2019 (Cth) (Act 76 of 2019).

Act 76 of 2019

From 1 July 2019, tobacco products will be prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. As such, tobacco products will only be able be imported into Australia with a valid import permit. Tobacco products imported without a valid permit would be a prohibited import and would be able to be seized at the border without warrant. The Customs Act currently requires seized prohibited imports to be stored for a minimum of 30 days before they can be disposed of.

The amendments in this Act empower the Comptroller-General of Customs to cause tobacco products seized as prohibited imports to be dealt with in a manner he or she considers appropriate, including the immediate destruction of the goods. Similar controls already exist for other prohibited imports, including seized psychoactive substances and prohibited serious drug alternatives under subsection 206(2A) of the Customs Act.

These amendments have been updated in the Point-in-Time Customs Service current to 10 October 2019. (NB: subscription required).

If you are not already a subscriber to this or other Point-in-Time Services then please contact us to find out more or to take a free trial.