What this does: This order cancels a previous tax break (called a tariff concession) that allowed specific cement factory equipment to be imported without paying standard customs duty.
Who it affects: Businesses importing cement grinding plants — industrial machinery comprising ball mills, injectors, cyclones, fans, filters, elevators, drives, coolers, and controllers (tariff classification 8474.20.00).
What changes: From 27 July 2011, importers must pay full customs duty on this equipment instead of the previous concessional rate (or duty-free) rate. This makes importing this machinery more expensive.
Why it matters: Tariff concessions are typically revoked when the government determines that equivalent goods are now manufactured locally in Australia, removing the justification for the import tax exemption. This protects local manufacturers of cement grinding equipment from cheaper imports.