This instrument cancels a tax break (called a tariff concession) that previously allowed specific mining equipment to be imported duty-free.
What it targets
Industrial washing plants used to extract sapphires, tin, or gold. This includes equipment like hopper feeders, trommels (rotating screening drums), deslimers, vibrating screens, slurry handlers, and generators (classified under tariff code 8474.10.00).
Who is affected
Mining companies, prospectors, and equipment suppliers who import these processing plants from overseas.
What changes
From 27 July 2011, anyone importing this equipment must pay standard customs duties instead of benefiting from the previous exemption (Concession Order 0713236). This removes the duty-free status that had been in place since August 2007, increasing the cost of importing these specific mining plants.