What this does: This order grants a customs duty concession (essentially a discount or exemption on import taxes) for specific industrial machinery used in bottling plants.
Who it affects: Australian businesses importing bottle unscramblers and/or orientors — machines that sort and position plastic asymmetrical bottles before filling or labelling.
The details:
- Goods covered: Machinery classified under tariff code 8422.30.90 (specifically equipment for handling plastic asymmetrical bottles)
- Benefit: These goods can be imported under Item 50 of Schedule 4 to the Customs Tariff Act 1995, which typically means reduced or zero customs duty
- When it started: 1 June 2006
- Duration: Remains in force until revoked
Why it matters: Without this order, importers would pay standard duty rates on this equipment. The concession makes it cheaper for Australian manufacturers (particularly in beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries) to import specialised bottling machinery.