13 September 2024
Who does this notice affect?
Entities lodging SAC declarations and cargo reports associated with low-value goods ($1000 or less in value) into the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
What has changed?
The department has been made aware of misinformation circulating regarding the implementation of the SAC cost recovery charge. This misinformation is centred around the application of the SAC charge to the Australian Postal Corporation.
We would like to clarify that there are no unique arrangements between the department and the Australian Postal Corporation on the SAC pathway. The SAC charge will be applied equally to all SAC reporters including the Australian Postal Corporation.
We would also highlight that low-value goods imported under SAC declarations and international mail arrive through separate pathways with different operating models, both pathways are subject to biosecurity cost recovery measures.
The department is funded to meet biosecurity regulatory costs associated with the international mail pathway. The Australian Postal Corporation is required under legislation to make an annual lump sum payment set at A$15.3 million this financial year.
With the introduction of the SAC charge from 1 October 2024, Australian Postal Corporation will be required to pay both the lump sum levy associated with international mail items (as it does today) as well as a fee of 36 cents per SAC declaration on cargo items for the 2024-25 financial year.
The indicative per unit cost recovery amount collected from the Australian Postal Corporation on the international mail pathway is higher than the 36 cent charge collected from cargo reporters (including Australian Postal Corporation) on the SAC pathway.
Further information
More information is available on the SAC cost recovery webpage.
If you have any questions, please email the department via:SACcostrecovery@aff.gov.au