What this does: This order cancels a special tax break (called a "tariff concession") that previously allowed specific copper tubes to be imported into Australia without paying customs duty (or at reduced rates).
Who it affects: Importers of seamless copper tubes used mainly in air conditioning and refrigeration systems—specifically coils of copper tubing with internal grooved fins, between 9mm and 16mm in diameter.
What changes: From 8 December 2008, anyone importing these tubes (classified under customs code 7411.10.00) must pay standard import duties. The previous exemption (Tariff Concession Order 0605757 from 2006) no longer applies. This typically happens when the government determines that local Australian manufacturers now produce equivalent goods, removing the justification for the import concession.