What this does: This order gives importers a tax break on specific household appliances. It declares that dry vacuum cleaners (falling under customs classification 8509.10.00) can be imported under Item 50 of Schedule 4 to the Customs Tariff Act 1995. This Schedule contains concessional (reduced or zero) duty rates, meaning businesses pay less import tax on these goods.
Who it affects: Companies importing dry vacuum cleaners into Australia. To use this concession, importers must meet Customs requirements and typically need to confirm that no equivalent Australian-made products are available (this is the standard test for these types of concessions).
Why it matters: It makes imported vacuum cleaners cheaper for Australian retailers and consumers. The concession took effect on 30 May 2005 and remains active until revoked.