Newly established importer/exporter advocate Freight Trade Alliance partners with Customs for border security training
February 1, 2013
Newly established advocate for importers and exporters Freight Trade Alliance (FTA) has partnered with Customs to provide members with border security training.
Director Paul Zalai says the Broker CPD Pty Ltd training group’s new online course
will offer FTA members the opportunity to complete the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service’s prescribed learning requirements each year.
“Customs has introduced a new licensing requirement for customs brokers effective April 1,2013,” Zalai says.
“A ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD) program has been established to ensure professionals comply using an
allocated point system.”
Zalai
says the CPD will further enhance the professional status and compliance of customs brokers, despite initial concerns in the market about the quality, operational impacts and costs of complying with the new
requirements.
“Customs deserve enormous credit for introducing the CPD program and allowing flexible delivery platforms which has facilitated the
introduction of high quality service providers competing in the market,” he says.
Brokers CBD’s solution
is delivered in a series of one-hour online modules which can be completed from home or at the office.
A 50 percent early bird discount has been extended to FTA subscribers.
“We are extremely impressed with Broker CBD’s complete online compliance solution,” Zalai says. “Through our growing subscriber base, we will be able to offer a bulk purchase pricing arrangement to all employees of FTA member companies.”
Formed in September 2012 by Zalai, a freight industry and customs veteran, the Freight Trade Alliance represents a cross-section of international freight logistics and import and export trade entities.
The alliance advocates for members with growing supply chain complexities caused by increasing border security requirements, evolving global trade agreements, variations in international shipping practices and numerous domestic landside logistics issues requiring ongoing reform.
“These issues are intertwined, requiring the need for a considered approach in representation to government and various sectors of commerce,”
Zalai
says.
“FTA provides this important advocacy role by maintaining a collaborative relationship with key people across government and commerce.
The alliance also provides advice, contacts, training, events and relevant operational information.